Planning a home project in New Zealand can feel overwhelming once consents enter the picture. Building consent and resource consent are two separate approvals, governed by different laws, and you may need one, both, or neither depending on your project. Understanding the difference upfront can save you time, money, and headaches down the track.
What Is Building Consent?
Building consent is approval from your local council that your proposed building work complies with the NZ Building Code. It is governed by the Building Act 2004 and administered by your council's Building Consent Authority (BCA).
Building consent is primarily about how something is built — the structural integrity, weathertightness, fire safety, sanitation, and health of the building itself. Think of it as the council checking that your new deck, extension, or bathroom won't fall down, leak, or put people at risk.
Common projects that typically require building consent:
- New homes and major additions
- Decks over 1.5 m above ground
- Retaining walls over 1.5 m high (or those supporting a surcharge)
- Structural alterations, including removing load-bearing walls
- New wet areas (bathrooms, laundries) — relevant to NZ Building Code clause E3
- Installing a woodburner or gas appliance
- Swimming pools (fencing requirements also apply)
Exempt building work
Not everything needs consent. Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists exempt building work — minor projects like small sheds under a certain floor area, replacing like-for-like cladding, or painting. Always check with your council or MBIE Building Performance before assuming your project is exempt.
What Is Resource Consent?
Resource consent is approval under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). It is about where and what you build in relation to the surrounding environment, neighbours, and land use rules set out in your council's District Plan.
Resource consent asks: Does this project fit within the rules for this piece of land? It covers things like how close you can build to a boundary (setbacks), how tall a structure can be, how much of your site can be covered, and whether your project affects a heritage item, flood zone, or coastal area.
Common triggers for resource consent:
- Building closer to a boundary than your District Plan allows
- Exceeding height limits or site coverage rules
- Subdividing land
- Operating a business from a residential property
- Building near a waterway, wetland, or in a coastal hazard zone
- Earthworks beyond permitted thresholds
- Demolishing or altering a heritage building
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Building Consent | Resource Consent |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Building Act 2004 | Resource Management Act 1991 |
| Administered by | Council BCA | Council planning team |
| Focus | How it's built (safety, code compliance) | Where/what is built (land use, environment) |
| Issued by | Building Consent Authority | Resource/planning consent team |
| Timeframe (statutory) | 20 working days | 20 working days (non-notified) |
| End document | Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) | Resource consent approval |
Do You Need Both?
Yes, sometimes. A project can require both consents, and they are processed independently. For example, building a two-storey addition might need building consent (structural and code compliance) and resource consent (if it breaches a height-to-boundary rule). You can apply for both at the same time, but approval of one does not guarantee approval of the other.
Conversely, some projects need neither — minor exempt building work that also sits comfortably within permitted activity rules in the District Plan.
How to Apply
Both consents are applied for through your local territorial authority (city or district council). Most councils now accept online applications. Before lodging, it pays to:
- Check your council's District Plan for land use rules (resource consent triggers).
- Review the building consent exemptions on the MBIE Building Performance website.
- Book a pre-application meeting with your council — many offer this free or at low cost, and it can clarify exactly what you need before you spend money on plans.
BRANZ also publishes useful guidance on building code compliance that can help you understand what your building consent application needs to demonstrate.
Restricted Work — Know the Rules
Certain work within a consented project must be carried out by licensed professionals, regardless of consent status:
- Electrical work: Most electrical wiring is restricted work under the Electricity Act. Only registered electricians can carry it out. Check the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
- Plumbing and drainlaying: Restricted to licensed practitioners. See the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
- Restricted building work (RBW): Certain structural and weathertight work must be designed and/or carried out by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
Safety note: Carrying out restricted work without the correct licence is illegal, can void your insurance, and may create serious safety risks. Always verify a tradesperson's licence before engaging them.
When to Call a Professional
Navigating consents can be complex, especially if your project involves heritage overlays, coastal hazard zones, or non-standard designs. A registered architect, designer, or experienced builder can assess what consents you need and prepare compliant documentation. For resource consent matters, a planning consultant can be invaluable.
You can find qualified local builders and tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz to help you get your project started on the right foot.