Whakatāne District Council’s Building and Planning team plans and manages the development of the natural and built environment in the District in a sustainable manner. The team endeavours to ensure that the quality and quantity of the District’s resources are maintained and enhanced.
Any inquiries relating to licening can be directed to: info@whakatane.govt.nz (to the Building and Planning team) or call 07 306 0500.
Building Consents
Building consents are legal documents that you need to obtain before starting any construction work on your property. This is a requirement under the Building Act 2004 and the Building Regulations 2006.
The purpose of building consents is to ensure that all construction work is carried out in compliance with the Building Code, which sets out minimum standards for safety, health, and durability of buildings. By obtaining a building consent, you are showing that your construction work meets these standards and that your building is safe to occupy.
Building consents are issued by your local council, which is responsible for enforcing the Building Act and the Building Code. You will need to submit an application for a building consent to your local council, along with detailed plans and specifications of your proposed construction work. The council will review your application and ensure that it complies with the Building Code and any other relevant legislation, such as the Resource Management Act.
If your application meets all the requirements, your building consent will be issued, and you can start your construction work. However, it's important to note that building consents are not a guarantee that your building will be compliant with the Building Code once it's completed. You will still need to obtain a Code Compliance Certificate once your construction work is finished, which certifies that your building complies with the Building Code and other relevant legislation.
Building consents also play an important role in ensuring that all construction work is carried out in a safe and controlled manner. The council will conduct inspections at various stages of your construction work to ensure that it is being carried out in compliance with the Building Code and any other relevant legislation. This helps to minimize the risk of accidents and ensures that your building is safe for occupants.
Resource Consents
Resource consents are legal documents that you may need to obtain before carrying out any activities that could have an impact on the environment. These activities may include things like building, earthworks, discharging contaminants into water, and many others. The purpose of resource consents is to ensure that these activities are carried out in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment and on other people.
Resource consents are issued by your local council, which is responsible for enforcing the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The RMA is New Zealand's primary legislation for managing the use of natural and physical resources, and it requires that anyone carrying out activities that could have an impact on the environment must obtain a resource consent.
To apply for a resource consent, you will need to submit an application to your local council, along with detailed information about your proposed activity and its potential effects on the environment. The council will then review your application and assess whether your proposed activity is likely to have any adverse effects on the environment or on other people.
If your application meets all the requirements, your resource consent will be issued, and you can proceed with your proposed activity. However, it's important to note that resource consents may include conditions that you will need to comply with to ensure that your activity is carried out in an environmentally sustainable way.
Resource consents also play an important role in ensuring that New Zealand's natural and physical resources are used in a sustainable way. By regulating activities that could have an impact on the environment, resource consents help to protect our natural heritage and ensure that future generations can enjoy New Zealand's unique environment.
Development Contribution Fees (DCF)
Development Contribution Fees (DCF) are fees that local councils charge to help fund the infrastructure needed to support new developments in their area. These fees are typically charged when a new development is proposed, and they are based on the size and nature of the development.
DCF can be used to fund a wide range of infrastructure, including roads, water and sewerage systems, parks and reserves, and community facilities. The purpose of these fees is to ensure that the cost of providing this infrastructure is shared fairly between new development and existing ratepayers.
If you're planning on developing land in New Zealand, it's important to understand the DCF requirements in your area. You'll need to apply to your local council for a DCF assessment as part of your resource consent application.
The DCF assessment will estimate the costs of the infrastructure required to support your proposed development, and calculate the fees you will need to pay. These fees will be paid to the council before your development can proceed, and they are generally payable in one lump sum or in instalments.
It's important to note that DCF can add a significant cost to your development, so it's important to factor these fees into your project budget. However, they are an important tool for ensuring that the costs of providing infrastructure to support new development are shared fairly between developers and existing ratepayers.
Project Information Memorandum (PIM)
When applying for a resource consent, you may also need to obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from your local council. A PIM is a report that provides information about the property you are proposing to use or develop, as well as any potential issues that may need to be addressed during the resource consent process.
A PIM can be a useful tool for identifying potential issues early on in the resource consent process. It can also help you to understand any requirements that may need to be met before your application can be approved.
To obtain a PIM, you will need to apply to your local council, providing details about your proposed activity and the property you intend to use or develop. The council will then provide you with a report that outlines any relevant information about the property, such as zoning, flood risk, and any known hazards or contamination issues.
PIMs can be particularly useful for more complex developments, such as those involving earthworks or significant changes to the land. They can also be helpful for identifying potential issues with heritage buildings or sites, or areas of ecological significance.
It's important to note that a PIM is not a resource consent, and obtaining a PIM does not guarantee that your resource consent application will be approved. However, it can help to ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your proposed activity.