Resource consents – when you need one and how to get one
A resource consent may be required for new buildings or land use. This page tells you when and how to get one and explains the process.
What is a resource consent?
A resource consent is special permission from the Council to build or use your land in a way that does not comply with the Queenstown Lakes partially operative District Plan.
There are five different types of resource consent:
• Land use consents (this applies to almost all consents and includes things like building and earthworks).
• Subdivision consents (making one or more lots or Unit Titles or altering a boundary).
• Water permits (jetty construction and commercial activities like jet boat operating, fishing guiding, kayak hire/guiding).
• Discharge permits (for discharges into air, water or onto land).
• Coastal permits (not applicable in the Lakes District).
When do you need a resource consent?
A resource consent may be required for any proposed activity that relates to the management of land, subdivision, water, soil resources, the coast, air, pollution and noise control. For example, you may need a resource consent if you plan to:
• Change the use of a residential or commercial building
• Undertake earthworks
• Build a wharf or jetty, or place a mooring
• Take water other than for domestic use
• Clear significant areas of vegetation
• Build a bridge over a waterway
• Discharge waste into water, into the air, or on to land.
If you are unsure, please contact a duty planner at Lakes Environmental, phone 03 450 0300 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0006 (Wanaka) or email enquiries@lakesenv.co.nz
How do I get one?
Please complete the application form in full and provide all of the necessary associated information.
>> Resource consent application forms (pdf 42kb)
Submit your application to Lakes Environmental, Private Bag 50077, Queenstown 9348.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a resource consent will vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. View a schedule of charges below:
>> Schedule of resource consent fees (pdf 32kb)