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Applying for a resource consent

New resource consent application forms, fact sheets and a pre lodgement pack are now available.  The new application forms are designed to ensure that applicants are better informed about the information requirements for resource consents and while they may now require more information to be provided from the outset this will be offset by reducing:

  • requests for information
  • the amount of processing time
  • the amount of processing costs

A pre-lodgement pack is available which contains forms and fact sheets to help you with your application.

The following fact sheet 'Applying for a resource consent' will help you as an applicant understand the resource consent process and the information the ARC needs from you to assess your application.

GP03 Applying for a resource consent (120.9 KB PDF)

The process

  1. Contact us - It is important to contact the ARC to discuss your proposal before you start preparing your application.
  2. Pre-lodgement meeting (optional)
  3. Complete your application, including any additional material.
  4. Lodge your application by hand or post.
  5. Application is checked:
    We check that you've completed the right forms, paid the correct deposit, and supplied enough information for us to accept the application and begin processing.

    Application details are entered onto our resource consents database and you will be sent a letter advising that we have accepted your application.

    If your application lacks information, it will be refused and sent back to you with a letter outlining the outstanding requirements.
  6. Application is processed by a consents officer. You will be advised of their contact details in the letter acknowledging receipt of your application.

Resource consent process

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In some cases, a site visit may be undertaken if it may help achieve a better understanding of the proposal. 

Where an application is for a restricted coastal activity, the council will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation, rather than a decision on the application.

Continue to Pre-lodgement Meeting