Avoid Unwanted Surprises
To avoid unwanted surprises, it's a good idea to know at the start and plan for all the approvals that your proposal may trigger. Some of the common approvals that may be required as well as resource consent include:
- Building consent
- Engineering plan approval
- Service connection approval (water, wastewater/sewerage, storm water)
- Vehicle crossing approval
- Alcohol and/or food licensing (e.g. for new premises or event)
- Concession for use of a reserve
Helpful options and prompts for a smooth process:
Make use of our enquiries service before you start
Our free service for short enquiries can help get you on the right track, before you invest what can be considerable time, energy and money.
Find out more about this service here [link to pg].
Consider getting a PIM report (Project Information Memorandum)
If you have a building design, a PIM report will detail what authorisations are required for your project.
The best timing to get a PIM report is at the very start of your project and before applying for building consent (although it is possible to apply for a PIM and building consent at the same time).
A PIM check will include a planning check of your proposal including to check the proposal against underlying resource consents, consent notices and the District Plan.
A PIM can help you decide whether your planning and building project is possible and practical, and will help you and your designer create effective plans.
For projects on difficult sites (or larger projects such as new commercial or industrial buildings) a PIM may prove very useful in establishing the feasibility and design of your project. It may prevent delays and reduce costs in the design of your proposal before getting to the building consent stage.
For more information or to apply, click here [link to building pg].
Do you need Engineering Plan Approval?
This is our process of review and approval of your detailed design to ensure compliance with TCDC’s Code of Practice for Subdivision Development. If you're unsure whether your project needs engineering plan approval, you can contact us for clarification.
Note that engineering review and approval requires submission of detailed design documentation – for specific details see our Code of Practice for Subdivision Development.
Expert assistance
If you need additional information or assistance on a resource consent or the development potential of a property, it is recommended that you seek the help of an independent planning or resource management consultant. They will be able to provide detailed expert planning advice on a specific property or proposal, and can prepare and lodge resource consent applications on behalf of applicants.
Surveyors are also able to provide assistance on subdivision and engineering related matters, including lodgement of subdivision consents.
Development contributions may be payable
Your proposal may result in additional demand on Council-owned services (such as water and reserves). If this is the case you may be required to pay development contributions (DCs).
Heads up - you may get asked to provide further information