Resource consent changes
A number of Resource Management Act changes come into effect today (18 October).
One of the big changes is the new Permitted Boundary Activity process.
This change will make the planning approval process easier and cheaper should you want to build within your boundary setbacks so long as you have your neighbour’s written approval.
There are some nuances with the legislation though and it’s quite specific on what rules and neighbours are looked at. A project will continue to require a resource consent if it breaches any district plan rules other than boundary rules.
You may have heard that there will also be a new Fast Track process for resource consents if your proposal has a controlled activity status under the Waikato District Plan.
Fast Track consents are required to be processed in a maximum of 10 working days instead of 20 days. Controlled activities generally have localised effects and a common example in district is a re-sited dwelling.
One of the big changes to the Resource Management Act is how natural hazards are assessed for subdivisions. As a result of the changes, developers are now required to provide a risk assessment as part of their geotechnical report for subdivision. This increases the rigor of the upfront assessment to make sure the land is suitable for development.
We are encouraging our customers to make sure your geotechnical engineer is aware of what’s required.
In addition, how Council determines if a resource consent application needs to be notified will change from today. There are certain types of proposals that will be excluded from public notification and, in some cases, excluded from limited notification.
This information is just the headline changes. So if you're not sure if it affects you please call our Duty Planner Service for more information.
Our intention is to make things easier and cheaper for our customers and our staff.
For more information, visit our website or give me a call: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz...
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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