People planning small-scale building projects may now find it quicker and more affordable to get resource consent, thanks to two new consent options introduced by Auckland Council.
The changes are designed to make it easier for customers with straightforward projects to apply for resource consent while helping the council process applications more efficiently.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, who chairs the council's Value for Money Committee, says Auckland Council is focused on making the process as simple and efficient as possible.
"Time is money and delay is cost," she says.
The two new options are:
- a specified consent for certain straightforward projects
- a Marginal or Temporary Permitted Activity Notice (MATPAN) for activities that only breach planning rules in a minor way or for a short period.
New specified consent option
The specified consent is a lower-cost option for projects that can be assessed more quickly.
It may be available for:
- minor extensions to homes that are not in special character areas
- new standalone homes with no more than two planning rule infringements
- other minor applications approved by resource consent unit managers
- limited work on scheduled heritage places approved by the council's Built Heritage Implementation team.
Applications follow the usual resource consent process through the Auckland Council website.
The deposit for a specified consent is $3,000, lower than the standard resource consent deposit.
New option for minor or short-term rule breaches
The second option is called a Marginal or Temporary Permitted Activity Notice (MATPAN).
A MATPAN can be used when an activity breaches planning rules in a minor way or for a short period, provided it will not create any lasting adverse effects.
The fixed application fee is $1,900.
MATPAN applications are not currently available online. Applicants need to download the application form and email it to rcregulatorysupportcentral2@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Helping customers get faster decisions
Auckland Council General Manager of Planning and Resource Consents John Duguid says the new options will help streamline straightforward applications.
"Auckland Council deals with over one-third of New Zealand's resource consents, processing around 15,000 applications a year," he says.
"The two new options will make it easier for more people to have straightforward applications processed quickly, allowing our teams to focus more attention on complex applications."
The council says one of the best ways to avoid delays is to make sure applications are complete when they are submitted.
Applications must include all information required under the Resource Management Act. Providing everything upfront means planners can begin assessing an application immediately rather than having to request further information.
Key facts
New consent options available now
- Specified consent deposit: $3,000
- MATPAN fixed fee: $1,900
- Specified consent may be available for some minor residential projects and limited heritage works
- MATPAN is for minor or temporary breaches of planning rules with no lasting adverse effects
- Complete applications may be approved in fewer than 10 days through Auckland Council's streamline consent service
- Eligible applications are automatically considered for streamlining