Ara Whenua

Resource consent and building consent

Council approvals usually come in two separate parts: resource consent (land use and effects) and building consent (the building itself). Not every project needs a resource consent; most new homes need a building consent.

1 What this means

Resource consent is about how land is used and its effects on the environment and neighbours — for example the number of homes, hazards or earthworks. Your district and regional councils decide.

Building consent is about whether the building meets the Building Code. Most new homes need one unless a confirmed exemption applies. When the work is finished and inspected, the council issues a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).

2 What still needs checking

  • Zoning and papakāinga provisions in the district plan
  • Mapped hazards such as flooding, erosion or slips
  • Whether regional consents apply (for example wastewater discharge or earthworks)
  • Whether an archaeological authority is needed — this is separate from council consents

3 What you can do next

Ask your council about a pre-application meeting and a Project Information Memorandum (PIM).

Official sources

Last reviewed 13 November 2026. General guidance only — not legal, financial or building advice. Court, lending and building decisions remain with the relevant decision makers.