Resource consent information

A resource consent is the formal approval issued by us that allows you to carry out an activity that has an impact on the environment or could affect other people. Approval is given under the Resource Management Act 1991 when a proposed building or activity doesn't comply with the relevant rules in our District Plan.

There are five types of resource consent. We process land use and subdivision consent applications.

Other application types such as coastal, water or discharge permits are processed by Waikato Regional Council.
Waikato Regional Council

More information
Ministry for the Environment - Everyday guide to Getting in on the Act

You'll need a resource consent if your project breaks any rule in our District Plan or you want to subdivide land. Land use consent relates to activities undertaken on a specific property and may include:

• new buildings, additions or alterations to buildings
• relocated buildings
• land modifications such as earthworks
• working on or near a protected tree
• undertaking business activities outside of a commercial zone
• advertising signage
• commercial or retail developments.

Subdivision consent applies to activities such as:

• creating a new freehold title
• creating a cross-lease
• creating a unit title development
• boundary adjustment.

More information
Apply for a resource consent

You can check our online District Plan to find out the rules and standards relating to your property or give us a call on 07 3760899 to talk to one of our development advisors about your project.

More information
District Plan
Ministry for the Environment - Everyday Guide to the Resource Management Act 1991
Resource Management Act 1991

Once a resource consent has been issued, in most cases it will lapse if work isn't started within five years from the date the consent was granted.

If your consent lapses, you will need to apply again.

Be sure to check the conditions on your consent for any specific time frames.

Resource consent application form

Application can be made to extend the lapse date of an approved resource consent. Extension applications and decision must be made before the consent lapses.

Give us a call on 07 3760899 or email info@taupo.govt.nz with your consent details to discuss an extension.

Objecting to Council

A consent applicant may object under section 357A of the Resource Management Act, provided:

• the application was not publicly notified
• if there were submissions, they were later withdrawn
• if the application was publicly notified or served on your immediate neighbour/s, no submissions were received.

You can also object under section 357B of the Resource Management Act if we ask you to pay additional processing charges or costs after the decision has been made.

You need to send your objection to us in writing within 15 working days from the date you received the decision.

In your objection, you should include the reasons for the objection.

The objection process will follow these steps:

• We will consider your objection as soon as practicable and within 20 working days for section 357A objections.
• The objection may be dismissed or upheld, either in whole or part. We will give you a decision on your objection in writing within 15 working days of the hearing.
• A planner from the council will consider the objection and discuss it with you. Where resolution cannot be reached, our planner will prepare a report on your objection, summarising the matters that have been raised, and provide a recommendation to either uphold or dismiss your objection.
• A hearing will be held to consider the objection, and we will appoint independent commissioners to determine the objection. You will get a copy of our planner's recommendation report and at least five working days notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.

If you are dissatisfied with the council's decision on your objection, you may appeal to the Environment Court within 15 working days of the date you received the objection decision.

Appeals to the Environment Court

Appeals to the Environment Court can be made by:

• the applicant or consent holder
• anyone who made a submission.

You need to make your appeal on the prescribed form and pay a filing fee. To find out more, visit the Environment Court website.

You need to lodge your appeal to the Environment Court and send us a copy of your notice of appeal within 15 working days of receiving the decision.

You also need to send a copy of your notice of appeal to every person who made a submission on the application.

National Environmental Standards Checklist (PDF, 20KB)
Written Approval for Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity (PDF, 123KB)
Affected Persons Approval form (PDF, 204KB)
Application for New Road Name (PDF 90KB)
Application for Right of Way Approval (PDF, 23KB)
Notification of Earthworks form (PDF, 20KB)
Submission form for Resource Consent

TDC Standard Easement terms form (stormwater water and sewage) (PDF, 114KB)
Guide to Preparing an Assessment of Environmental Effects (PDF, 98KB)
Useful Contact Numbers for Resource Consent Applications (PDF, 171KB)
Information as to Rights of Appeal for Notice of Requirement (PDF, 44KB)
Design Guide for Rural Subdivision (PDF, 4.3MB)
Information for applicants: Deemed permitted boundary activities
Ministry for the Environment: Information for affected persons