Resource Consents Update – August 2023

General update on process timeframes

The end of our financial year was another busy time for the Resource Consents Team. A total of 3,165 applications were processed, which is only 170 applications fewer than the year before and the second-highest number on record. 

Our processing timeframes have improved greatly, and we’re now processing around 90 per cent of applications within statutory timeframes. At times, we may not be allocating applications to planners until day 10, but this doesn’t typically have a big impact on the timeframe.

Our initial screening process means that applications are generally referred to specialists within the first couple of days, meaning a complete application can be processed efficiently once allocated, if the specialist advice is available.

Lodging complete and comprehensive applications helps us to process applications more efficiently while also reducing the overall processing cost.

Heads-up before lodging complex applications

If you’re going to be lodging a large or complex proposal, we’d appreciate it if you could let us know in advance. This helps us to manage staff workloads and ensure the right planner is available to process the application once lodged.

A lot of these applications go through the pre-application advice service, so it may just be a case of informing the planner you’ve been working with. Otherwise, please contact a Team Leader or Paul Lowe, Manager Resource Consents: paul.lowe@ccc.govt.nz  

Applications for Section 224(c) Subdivision Completion Certificates

Workloads in the subdivision consent area remain high, with many multi-unit developments being completed and titled.

We’re receiving a lot of incomplete applications for section 224(c) Subdivision Completion Certificates, which further reduces our processing capacity, because we have to ask for further information and this delays the issuing of the certificate.

Please only lodge complete applications and remember that:

• The application should respond to each subdivision condition, with supporting documents specifically referenced and identified in an appendix.  
• Our practice is to only accept applications that are signed by a Licenced Surveyor or Chartered Engineer.
• Suitable documentation needs to be submitted to support any statements relating to compliance (e.g. as-builts, photographs, and letters from telecommunication/electrical service providers).
• Full copies should be provided of any allied Council approvals relied upon for the subdivision (e.g. vehicle crossing approval, building consent exemption, any ‘pass’ inspection for building consent). 
• It is up to the applicant to request any invoices associated with the subdivision (e.g. development contributions) and then provide evidence of payment in the section 224(c) application.        

Sensitive activities near roads and railways – ‘Acoustic insulation rule’ 6.1.7.2.1 – has been amended

Plan Change 5E (Noise Sensitive Activities near Roads and Railways) is now treated as operative, and the new wording of rule 6.1.7.2.1 replaces the previous version.

The plan change was initiated to improve the effectiveness of the rule at protecting people from road and rail noise within their homes and to reduce the rule’s complexity.

Key changes are:

• Reducing the range of alterations and additions to existing buildings that need to comply with the rule requirements (it only applies to whole-room additions, new buildings, or building conversions within the setback).
• Setbacks to State Highways and railways have been increased to 100 metres and are now measured from the edge of the nearest marked traffic lane (State Highways) and the centre of the railway track (railways). The setback to other arterial roads and collector roads is unchanged.
• All building consent applications for habitable spaces within these setbacks must now provide a design report from an acoustic specialist to confirm:
  • The proposed design achieves a specified maximum internal sound level for the space; or
  • That the sound on the most exposed part of façade of the space is less than 57 dBA (roads) and 55 dBA (railways).
• There's no longer a specified construction methodology in appendix 6.11.4 available as a construction solution outside the Central City. No design certification is required on completion of construction. 
• Where windows must be closed to achieve the internal sound level, an alternative form of ventilation is required to provide fresh air to the space. This must satisfy clause G4 of the Building Code in terms of the minimum fresh-air-flow rate and source (must come from outside, rather than the roof space). There must also be an air conditioner to control temperature, but one per house is sufficient. We recommend speaking to a mechanical ventilation provider to discuss options for your development.  

For further advice, please contact the Duty Planner: dutyplanner@ccc.govt.nz

Have your say on our Draft Naming Policy for Roads, Parks and Facilities

Public consultation opens today on our Draft Naming Policy for Roads, Parks and Facilities.

This is particularly relevant for subdivisions where new roads and lanes are created that need to be named for address purposes.

Consultation is open until 27 August 2023. Go online to learn more and have your say.

Keep in touch

If you have any questions about your resource consent applications, please get in touch with us at CCCResourceconsentapplications@ccc.govt.nz

For general enquiries, please email dutyplanner@ccc.govt.nz or call 941 8999.