Building & Resources Consents
A building consent is council approval confirming that specific construction work, such as a new structure or ground improvement, meets Building Code requirements. A resource consent is different: it is approval to use land in ways that are not automatically permitted under a council’s district or regional plan, covering matters such as land use, earthworks and effects like noise or glare. Most building projects need a building consent, and many also need a resource consent too, and Gubb Design prepares, lodges and manages both types of application on a client’s behalf.
Our team can prepare, lodge and manage both Resource Consents and Building Consents on your behalf. This is an important part of the process of getting your build underway. Book a call to see how we might assist you, or keep reading to find out more about each type of consent.
| Building Consent | Resource Consent | |
|---|---|---|
| When it's required | For most new structures, alterations, demolition or maintenance work that needs to meet the Building Code — including new builds, additions, reclads and ground improvement for foundations. | When a project doesn't automatically comply with Auckland Council's district or regional plan — covering things like land use, earthworks, or effects such as noise, glare or coastal impacts. Not every site needs one. |
| Typical cost (NZD) | From around $1,300 for small alterations up to $10,000+ for a new build, in council deposits, inspections and levies. Varies by project value. | From around $7,500–$9,000+ for a straightforward residential application (planning report plus council deposit), rising significantly if publicly notified. |
| Typical timeframe | Statutory 20 working days (about 4 weeks) to process a complete application. Longer if further information is requested. | Around 20 working days if non-notified. Notified applications, where public submissions are invited, can take several months. |
| Who lodges it | The property owner, or an agent such as their architectural designer, acting on their behalf. | Usually the owner or their planner/architectural designer, acting on their behalf. |
Building Consents
As part of the Building Act 2004, construction, alteration, demolition and maintenance of new and existing structures are required to meet code requirements. When you are looking to build, you typically need to start with ground improvement, in order to lay foundations. Because foundations are part of a new structure, ground improvement requires a Building Consent, to make sure that improvement works are carried out to a high standard. We can help you apply for this, and manage the application after lodging it with the relevant authorities.
Resource Consents
A Resource Consent differs from a Building Consent, in that it covers requests that aren’t always clearly stated by the council to be prohibited or allowed. It’s widely used because it allows a council to allow the use of land and water, and can also restrict the dumping of waste or contaminants, and the use of coastal land.
The Resource Management Act helps city or district councils create regional or district plans which need to be followed, and this differ from place to place. These local plans can also involve noise levels, odours or even glare produced by construction activity. Some sites don’t need a Resource Consent, but most do. To find out if you need help applying for a Resource Consent as well as a Building Consent, get in touch with us today.
