Not all homes in NZ are required to obtain a Resource Consent (RC). If your home aligns with the existing rules and regulations outlined in the District Plan (DP), you automatically comply and therefore, do not need a Resource Consent. However, if you plan to build outside the DP rules, this could be constructing two homes on one site, you will need to obtain a RC followed by a Building Consent before commencing construction.
Having a well-designed home that respects your neighbours' privacy, maximizes sunlight, and has minimal adverse impact on the surrounding context may not necessarily meet the DP requirements. While the DP sets the minimum standards, allowing you to build within certain generic criteria applicable to your neighbourhood, obtaining a RC can unlock your site's full potential and, in many cases, can be a relatively straightforward process especially if your design meets the aforementioned criteria.
There are times when obtaining a RC is unavoidable. For example, our recent project, Churchyard House, was situated on a 20m wide site where the District Plan prohibited building within 20m of the boundary, making it impossible to comply with the DP requirements.
At 27acres, we have extensive experience in navigating the Resource Consent process and are well-equipped to guide you through it. As part of our thorough site analysis at the project's outset, we identify both the opportunities and risks associated with the specific site, allowing us to have open and transparent conversations with our clients. Of course, there may be the option of avoiding a Resource Consent altogether, but if it is necessary, we have the right skills to ensure a comprehensive and successful RC application process.
Intimidating process you made very clear thanks