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Coastal consents

The ARC is responsible for the management of the coastal marine area (CMA), which is the foreshore and seabed below the mean high water springs (MHWS). Resource consents for activities in the CMA are called "coastal permits". Consent requirements in relation to the CMA are determined under section 12 and 15 of the Resource Management Act 1991 and under the Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal.

Do I need a coastal permit?

Many activities undertaken in the CMA require a coastal permit. Prior to undertaking any works it is advisable to contact the ARC The following are some examples of activities in the CMA that may require a resource consent:

  • building or altering a structure
  • introducing plants
  • removing vegetation
  • reclaiming or dredging the foreshore or seabed
  • taking gravel, sand or shell
  • discharging water or contaminants into the CMA
  • depositing material on the foreshore or seabed
  • marine farming
  • occupation of the CMA with a structure
  • Special event in the CMA
  • laying a mooring outside of a mooring management area
  • erecting a sign
  • taking and using coastal water.

If you have an existing structure in the coastal marine area, a coastal permit may be required for occupation of space in the CMA (all coastal permits have time limits and the maximum limit is 35 years). If you are unsure of coastal consent requirements for your activity please contact us for advice.

Making a coastal permit application

  • Contact the coastal team on (09) 366 2000, prior to making an application so we can provide you with all the advice you need.
  • we may be able to suggest some alternatives or ways that you could modify your proposal that will avoid or minimise effects on the environment.

When you think you have all the information required and are ready to make an application, fill in a coastal permit application form. You can download a form here. Or contact us and we will send you one.

  • when making your application please submit the following:
    • a completed, dated and signed application form
    • a description and plan of your proposal showing the location, including MHWS, design details, construction methodology including timing and site access
    • an assessment of environmental effects (AEE) and ways that you have modified your proposal to minimise or avoid adverse effects on the environment. Things to discuss in your AEE include effects on natural character and landscape values, effects on public access to and along the CMA, effects on natural features and coastal processes such as erosion and accretion, effects on ecological values, cultural and spiritual values, and navigation and safety issues. The amount of detail you include in an AEE should correspond with the scale and significance of the actual or potential effects that your activity may have on the environment
    • a description of any consultation that you have undertaken with interested parties, and any responses you have received from them
    • confirmation that all other consents or permits required have been applied for from the relevant local authority your city or district council for associated works above the MHWS
    • the relevant deposit fee. You are required to meet the full costs incurred by the ARC during the processing of your application. Please contact us for a list of fees
  • total processing costs will be determined when a decision is made on your application
  • we will refund or invoice you with the difference between the actual processing costs and your initial deposit
  • a consent under the Building Act 1991 may also be required. Please contact your local city or district council for more details.

How long will it take to process?

To ensure your application is processed in the most timely manner you should:

  • ensure that all the required information is included with your application
  • we also recommend that you lodge your application in draft form for comment to ensure that it is as complete as possible.

The more complete your application, the quicker the processing time will be and the lower the cost.

  • The statutory timeframe for processing of a non-notified application is 20 working days
  • applications which need to be publicly notified can take from two to four months to process, depending on the need for a hearing or not.

Applications which need to be publicly notified can take from two to four months to process, depending on the need for a hearing or not.

How long is a coastal permit granted for?

In accordance with the RMA, a coastal permit may be granted for up to 35 years. This may not be appropriate and a shorter duration may be given depending on the nature of your activity. The ARC grant coastal permits for between 2 and 35 years.

Coastal consents factsheets, forms and fees

Follow this link for more information on coastal factsheets, forms and fees.