Putting together a consent application can be complex; however, the clearer you describe what you want to do and where you want to do it, the easier the process of lodging an application will be.
The Resource Management Act (RMA) sets out detailed requirements for what must be included in an application.
An application which includes all the requirements of the RMA ensures that the Consent Authority has the information required to decide whether to notify or non-notify, and ultimately whether to grant or decline the application.
If the information is not included in your application when you apply, then delays and associated increases in processing costs will be experienced if we have to return the incomplete application or request further information.
Schedule 4 of the RMA sets out the information required for your resource consent application.
You will need to use our application forms(external link) and possibly some of our online tools(external link) to help. You can also find out information on current resource consent fees and charges.
When your application is ready, please submit via email to consents@trc.govt.nz, post or in person and pay the initial fee (deposit).
We aim to process every consent application as efficiently as possible. There are a few things you can do to help us process yours quickly:
- Talk to our Consents team before to submitting your application. They may be able to offer some advice that will save time.
- For larger scale activity applications, consider having a pre-application meeting with Council staff and technical experts.
- Consider hiring a consultant to prepare your application for you.
- Ensure your proposal is consistent with the objectives and policies in the Regional Policy Statement and relevant Regional plans.
- Include a complete assessment of the environmental and cultural effects with your application. This may involve engaging with technical experts and tāngata whenua.
- Obtain written approvals from potential affected parties, including tāngata whenua.
- Let us know if you have time constraints or deadlines.