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Consent conditions

How long does my resource consent last?

The ‘term of consent' varies depending on the type of consent. If you apply to replace your consent no less than 6 months before the expiry date, you can continue to operate under the conditions of the consent until your application to replace the consent and any appeals is decided.

The following fact sheet 'Now you have a resource consent' contains all the information you need once you have a resource consent.

GP07 Now you have resource consent (73.8 KB PDF)

Can I change my consent?

If there is a change in circumstances which requires a modification of consent conditions, you can apply to change or cancel a consent condition:

  • for changes to consents that were not notified or that did not receive submissions, this may be a simple process involving the production of a short report by the consents officer and an amendment of your consent
  • for consents that were publicly notified and received submissions, the process may involve obtaining agreement from the submitters, or may even require a hearing.

The expiry date of a resource consent cannot be changed.

What happens if I don't use my consent?

If you do not start the activity authorised by your resource consent within five years of it being granted (or the commencement date specified on the consent), the resource consent will automatically lapse. If a consent is exercised and then not exercised for a continuous period of five years we can also cancel a consent by giving written notice to the consent holder.

You can apply to us for an extension of up to three months if you have made substantial progress towards giving effect to the consent.

Can I surrender my consent?

Yes, if you no longer wish to undertake the activity which it authorises. We are required to give notice of acceptance before the surrender takes effect. Prior to surrender you are liable for:

  • any non-compliance with any consent conditions prior to surrender
  • any consent holder charges for the consent up to the time of its surrender.

If there are any incomplete works at the time you apply to surrender the consent, we may direct you to complete the works.

Can my resource consent be transferred to another person?

Generally resource consent holders are able to transfer their consents to another person, unless the consent expressly provides otherwise. This should be done if you are selling your property and the new owner wishes to continue the activity authorised by the resource consent.

The consent holder is responsible for initiating the transfer, and will remain liable for the exercise of the resource consent and any charges payable until we have received and processed the request for a transfer.

View a full list of forms and application forms.

Continue to Appeals and objections