Many landscapers in New Zealand will help coordinate council permits and consents as part of their service — but whether they handle it entirely on your behalf depends on the complexity of your project, the individual business, and what you agree upfront. For straightforward work like garden beds or lawn laying, no permits are needed at all. For larger structures, retaining walls, or drainage changes, consents may be required, and a good landscaper will guide you through the process.
When Does Landscaping Need a Council Permit?
Not all landscaping triggers a building consent or resource consent. Many common jobs fall under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, which lists work exempt from building consent. However, the rules can be nuanced, and you should always confirm with your local council before starting.
As a general guide:
- Garden beds, planting, lawn installation, and basic paving — typically no consent required
- Decks — exempt if no more than 1.5 m above the supporting ground and meeting other criteria — confirm the exact threshold and conditions with your local council; larger decks usually need consent
- Retaining walls — generally exempt if retaining less than 1.5 m of ground and not near a boundary or surcharge load; taller walls almost always need consent
- Fences — most residential fences are exempt, but height limits and boundary rules apply
- Driveways and crossings — may require a vehicle crossing permit from your council
- Earthworks and drainage changes — can trigger resource consent depending on volume and proximity to waterways
Because rules vary between territorial authorities (your city or district council), what's exempt in one area may not be in another. MBIE Building Performance publishes guidance on building consents and Schedule 1 exemptions that's worth reading.
What Can a Landscaper Do on Your Behalf?
A qualified landscaper can:
- Assess whether your project likely needs consent based on their experience
- Prepare and lodge building consent or resource consent applications on your behalf (many do this routinely)
- Liaise with council during the consent process and respond to requests for further information
- Arrange inspections at the required stages of construction
- Obtain a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) once consented work is finished
However, a landscaper is not a licensed building practitioner (LBP) unless they hold that registration. For restricted building work — such as structural retaining walls or decks attached to a house — the design and/or construction must be carried out or supervised by an LBP. Always ask your landscaper whether they hold an LBP licence or whether they'll be engaging one for structural elements of your project.
Resource Consents vs Building Consents
These are two different types of approval, and some projects need both:
| Consent Type | Who Issues It | Typical Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Building consent | Your local council (building department) | Structures, retaining walls over threshold, decks |
| Resource consent | Your local council (planning department) | Earthworks, proximity to waterways, heritage overlays, height-to-boundary breaches |
| Vehicle crossing permit | Your local council (roading) | New or modified driveway access to a public road |
A thorough landscaper will identify which consents apply and either manage the applications or clearly explain what you need to do yourself.
How to Confirm What Your Landscaper Will Handle
Before signing a contract, ask these questions:
- Will you assess what consents are needed?
- Will you prepare and lodge the applications, and is that included in your quote?
- Are you a Licensed Building Practitioner, or will you engage one for restricted work?
- Who is responsible if work doesn't comply with the Building Code?
- Will you obtain the Code Compliance Certificate at the end?
Get the answers in writing as part of your contract. Consent fees charged by council are usually passed on to you as a disbursement, so clarify whether the quote includes those costs or not.
NZ Climate and Site Considerations
NZ's varied climate — from wet West Coast conditions to dry Canterbury summers — affects landscaping choices and can influence consent requirements. Drainage design is particularly important: poor stormwater management can affect neighbouring properties and may trigger consent under your council's district plan. BRANZ provides research and guidance on moisture management and site drainage that can be useful background reading.
When to Call a Professional
Always engage a qualified landscaper or relevant specialist when:
- Your project involves structural retaining walls, decks, or any work attached to your home — this is likely restricted building work under the Building Act
- You're working near waterways, steep slopes, or in a flood-prone area
- Your property has heritage, coastal, or special character overlays in the district plan
- You're unsure whether consent is needed — a professional assessment is far cheaper than fixing non-compliant work later
For any work involving plumbing or drainage connections, a licensed drainlayer must carry out that work — check the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board for licensed practitioners. Similarly, any electrical work (such as outdoor lighting connected to your mains) must be done by a registered electrician — see the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
You can find qualified local landscapers on tradedirectory.co.nz — look for those who clearly state their experience with consented projects and hold relevant licences.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
