Resource consent changes

Noel Smith from Noel Smith Councillor - Newcastle Ward

A number of Resource Management Act changes come into effect today (18 October).

One of the big changes is the new Permitted Boundary Activity process.

This change will make the planning approval process easier and cheaper should you want to build within your boundary setbacks so long as you have your neighbour’s written approval.

There are some nuances with the legislation though and it’s quite specific on what rules and neighbours are looked at. A project will continue to require a resource consent if it breaches any district plan rules other than boundary rules.

You may have heard that there will also be a new Fast Track process for resource consents if your proposal has a controlled activity status under the Waikato District Plan.

Fast Track consents are required to be processed in a maximum of 10 working days instead of 20 days. Controlled activities generally have localised effects and a common example in district is a re-sited dwelling.

One of the big changes to the Resource Management Act is how natural hazards are assessed for subdivisions. As a result of the changes, developers are now required to provide a risk assessment as part of their geotechnical report for subdivision. This increases the rigor of the upfront assessment to make sure the land is suitable for development.

We are encouraging our customers to make sure your geotechnical engineer is aware of what’s required.

In addition, how Council determines if a resource consent application needs to be notified will change from today. There are certain types of proposals that will be excluded from public notification and, in some cases, excluded from limited notification.

This information is just the headline changes. So if you're not sure if it affects you please call our Duty Planner Service for more information.

Our intention is to make things easier and cheaper for our customers and our staff.

For more information, visit our website or give me a call: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz...