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Do you want to start up a new business, or build something that doesn't comply with what's been provided for in the District Plan, or perhaps establish accommodation for visitors? You'll need a Land Use Consent.
Click here >>> for a Land Use Consent application form
Click here >>> for an application for Visitor Accommodation up to 4 people |
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Subdivision and Land Use Consent
Subdividing your property? You'll need a Subdivision Consent. The application form also provides for situations where a Land Use consent may also be required as part of your subdivision.
Click here >>> for a Subdivision and Land Use Consent application form |
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Signs Permits
You'll need a sign permit for any sign on or near your property or place of business.
Click here >>> for a Sign Permit application form
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An ‘Everyday Guide' which explains the Resource Management Act (RMA) process is available from the Ministry for the Environment (Click here >>>)
For any additional RMA questions Ministry for the Environment can be contacted on the RMA INFO line - 0800 RMAINFO
Resource Consents
The Kaikoura District Council Plan categorises activities into groupings depending on the degree of these effects. These groupings are classed as permitted, controlled, discretionary, non-complying or prohibited activities.
This page gives honest, helpful advice on how to apply for a resource consent, things to think about before you apply, our fees and charges, environmental effects, professional advice, and notifying consents.
Remember to clarify with Council if your site contains an archaeological area or if you are in a hot spot and what you need to do. Its much easier to sort out earlier than later. Click here to go to the archaeological information page. You could be subject to substantial monetary fines if you proceed without this authority if needed.
The Kaikoura District Plan is now available to view online. Click here for a link to this document.
What is a permitted activity?
A permitted activity can be established as of right, as long as it meets the requirements of the performance standards which are listed within the District Plan. If you cannot meet these performance standards, the activity may be a classified as controlled, discretionary, or a non-complying activity. You therefore must apply to the Council for permission to operate/establish that activity. This is a resource consent.
An example of a permitted activity is the erection of a dwelling in a residentially zoned area which meets all the performance standards contained in the rules section of the residential zone. Performance standards may include limitations on height and daylight angles, provision of outdoor living space and carparking.
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What is a controlled activity?
This is an activity which is allowed by the Plan but which requires careful consideration of certain matters before it may be established. These matters may include landscaping, screening, parking, site layout, flood zoning and building design.
What is a discretionary activity?
This is an activity which is generally provided for within a zone, but not necessarily on every site and then only if it can satisfy certain criteria which are set out in the Plan. A discretionary activity will also be assessed to determine if it will have any adverse effects on the surrounding area, which may include noise, traffic generation, design and appearance, or pollution.
What is a non-complying activity?
This is an activity which the Plan has not made provision in a particular zone. A non-complying activity can only be allowed if it can satisfy quite stringent criteria regarding environmental effects, as well as the policies and objectives of the Plan.
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What is a prohibited activity?
Prohibited activities are expressly forbidden in the District Plan.
How do I apply for a resource consent?
Council Staff are happy to help in any way they can. Pre-application appointments are always available and can answer many of your questions. The applicant can successfully submit many applications without professional assistance and few require notification.
The more complete your application is the less time and money will be required to process it. Of course, some projects (esp. subdivisions and large developments) are more complex and will most likely require professional help.
In addition to the information we've provided on our website, the Ministry for the Environment has excellent information on how to apply for a resource consent, and the consent process. You can link to that information (Click here>>>)
You may download our Land Use Application Form, or our Subdivision Application Form, and the neighbors approval form from this website or stop by the Council for applications for both land use and subdivisions.
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Before submitting an application
Before submitting your application it is suggested that you take note of the following:
- Have a clear understanding of your proposal.
It can be both frustrating and expensive if an application is changed once it is being processed. You may even need to lodge a fresh application. Remember you have five years to act on your consent, so it’s even more cost effective to plan your application in terms of what you want to do over the next five years.
- Consult with council staff and any people who may be affected by your proposal.
This will ensure you are following the correct procedure and it may help resolve potential problems at an early stage. If you have any questions or would like to make a pre-application appointment, please contact the planning administrator at 03 319-5026 during office hours.
- Ensure that all the information requested on the application form is provided.
This will save you both time and money. This should include a full description of the activity, and an assessment of environmental effects, plus whatever maps, plans, and photographs are necessary to enable Council and affected persons to fully understand the proposal. This is explained in detail in the application form.
- Be aware of the time which may be involved in obtaining a resource consent.
Allow for this in your planning. DO NOT wait until you have obtained your building consent. While we try to process all applications within RMA timeframes (once all information is obtained - 20 working days for non-notified applications and 40 working days for notified applications) please be aware that that delays may occurs due to volume of applications lodged at any one time. Planning staff will be able to advise you of any foreseeable delays.
Processing charges
A deposit is required
Applications must be accompanied by the appropriate deposit. Please click here for a schedule of our fees and charges. Applications will not be processed until deposits are received. Processing charges are based on actual costs. If an application requires public notification and/or is required to be heard by the Hearings and Applications Committee or a Commissioner the cost of processing the application may increase substantially.
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Is an assessment of environmental effects necessary?
The Resource Management Act 1991 requires an assessment of actual and potential effects on the environment for all applications. This should be prepared in the manner set out in the Fourth Schedule of the Act.
The assessment should be prepared to a standard appropriate to the scale and intensity of the activity and its likely effects on the local environment. Clearly, the level of assessment for a small office in a residential zone will be much less extensive than for a large chemical plant with major environmental effects.
Do I need professional advice?
If you have trouble getting the information together, or need advice on some aspects of your application, there are professional people who can help. These people may include a lawyer, a land surveyor, a resource management planner, an engineer or an architect.
CLICK HERE to link to Davidson Partners Ltd, consulting engineers.
If you are uncertain as to whether or not you should engage assistance, talk to council officers. They will be able to give you some guidance. Council staff are available for a pre-application meeting that can help you decide whether professional help is needed.
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Will my application need to be notified?
The requirement for notification depends on the type of application and on the issues involved. Controlled activities are not usually notified. Most applications do not require notification.
Notification of discretionary and non-complying activities may not be required if they are relatively minor and if all affected persons have given their consent. Council officers can advise you which properties are likely to be affected by your proposal. Generally both the owners and occupiers of an affected property would need to give their written consent to avoid some type of notification.
Affected person consent forms are available at the public counter or can be downloaded on this website. The Council will make the decision whether or not the application will be notified.
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