Key points at a glance
- A resource consent deals with planning and land-use rules, not Building Code compliance.
- It is governed by the Resource Management Act 1991 and your council’s district plan.
- You may need both a resource consent and a building consent for the same project.
- Common triggers include height, boundary setbacks, site coverage, earthworks and subdivision.
Resource consent vs building consent
A building consent confirms your work meets the Building Code. A resource consent, granted under the Resource Management Act 1991, confirms your activity is allowed under the district or regional plan — covering things like where a building sits, its height, and effects on neighbours and the environment.
Some projects need only one; many larger projects need both. It is common to secure a resource consent first because it can affect the design that then goes into the building consent.
When you might need one
Triggers vary by council but commonly include exceeding height or site-coverage limits, building too close to a boundary, significant earthworks, removing protected trees, subdividing land, or work in a special zone such as a heritage or coastal area.
Your council’s planning team can confirm whether your project complies with the plan or needs a resource consent, and whether it is notified (neighbours consulted) or non-notified.
For homeowners
- Check district-plan rules early — setbacks and height limits can change your design.
- Factor resource-consent time and cost into your project timeline.
- Talk to neighbours early where a notified consent may be required.
For tradespeople
- Confirm any required resource consent is in place before building work relies on it.
- Coordinate design so it satisfies both planning and Building Code requirements.
- Advise clients when a project may trigger a notified consent.
Official sources
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