Introduction
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) requires local councils to ensure that effects on the environment are managed sustainably. One of the councils' jobs is to decide whether to grant a resource consent for someone to undertake an activity that might affect the environment.
Every day, people apply to their local council for a resource consent to do something such as build a new house or garage, subdivide their property, discharge wastewater into a stream, move earth, or discharge pollution into the air.
Applying for a resource consent does not have to be complicated. This guide is written for resource consent applicants - people who apply to their council for permission to do something that might affect the environment. It tells you:
- how to find out whether you need a resource consent
- what you need to do to apply
- what you can expect from the council
- what you can do to help the process along.
