How it works
A resource consent is a written decision from the Council about a building project that may affect the environment or your community – for example, building a deck close to a property's boundary. The rules for this are set out in our District Plan.
If you need a resource consent, you must get it before you start work.
When you need a resource consent
You need to apply for a resource consent if:
The District Plan outlines what's permitted and what requires a resource consent for each zone of Wellington City. It sets rules for things like parking, access, or how high or close to the neighbour's boundary a building can be, depending on where it is.
You may also need a resource consent if you're planning:
Search the District Plan
Use the ePlan to find out how the District Plan applies to your property.
ePlan – our District Plan online
Getting help
Applying for a resource consent can be a very complex process. Before you start, we highly recommend you seek help from a planning consultant, surveyor or architect.
A professional may also be able to help you design your project so it complies with the District Plan and does not require a resource consent.
Using an agent to prepare your application
You can also meet with us to discuss your proposal or ideas before you prepare and submit a resource consent application.
Resource consent pre-application meetings
Other things you may need to consider
Boundary activities
Instead of a resource consent, you may be able to apply for a deemed permitted boundary activity if:
- you're building or extending your home
- you only require a resource consent because your project infringes one or more 'boundary rules' in the District Plan – for example, the height of the building in relation to the boundary, and no other District Plan rules are infringed
- none of the infringed boundaries are public boundaries – for example, a park or a road, and
- the affected neighbours have given their written approval.
Boundary activities
Certificate of compliance
A certificate of compliance (also known as a CoC) shows that a project is a permitted activity in a particular area and doesn't need a resource consent.
A certificate of compliance can be helpful for insurance purposes, or to give certainty to prospective buyers.
Applying for a certificate of compliance
Projects on designated land
If you're a requiring authority planning a project on designated land, you don't need to apply for resource consent if a project infringes on the rules in the District Plan. Instead, you need to submit an outline plan.
Designated land for public works and network utilities