Resource Consent Planning

The Manawatū District Council's planning team ensures that development of the natural and built environment is undertaken in a sustainable manner by managing compliance with the Manawatū District Plan through:

  • Resource Consents
  • Assessing Building Consents for compliance with the District Plan.

A resource consent is the approval of a local authority - in this case, the Manawatū District Council to undertake an activity that is not a permitted activity and may not occur “as of right” under the Resource Management Act 1991 or the various formal plans governing the use of natural and physical resources in the Manawatu.

The information in this section explains Councils obligations under the RMA for the issuing of resource consents, how to apply for them and Councils process for considering them. It is not intended as a substitute for the RMA.

What is a resource consent?

A resource consent is special permission from Council to build or use your land in a way that does not comply with the rules or is not specified as a permitted activity in the District Plan. A resource consent is the permission the Council gives you to use a resource or carry out an activity.

When do I need a resource consent?

You will need a resource consent:

  • If you are subdividing your property
  • If you do not comply with any conditions listed under the permitted activity rules of the District Plan
  • If the activity you are proposing is listed as Controlled, Restricted Discretionary, Discretionary or Non-Complying in the District Plan
  • If your activity is not specifically listed in the District Plan, it is highly likely you will need a resource consent

To determine if you require a resource consent, use the search function on our District Plan map below, input the property address or legal description/valuation number to determine what the zone is for that property - and if it is subject to any proposed changes currently being considered by the Council: District Plan | MDC Public Map Gallery

When you know what zone your property is within you can check the online District Plan to see whether there are conditions you need to comply with, or whether you need to obtain a resource consent: Operative District Plan | Manawatū District Council

Questions

If you have any questions, a Duty Planner is available Monday - Friday, 9:00am until 12:00pm.

They can be contacted by phoning 06 323 0000, via email planning@mdc.govt.nz, or for face-to-face meetings during the above times.

Certificate of Compliance

If you don’t need a resource consent, you may want to apply for a Certificate of Compliance (PDF file, 87.8 KB). This is a legal document that Council issues certifying that you comply with all the relevant rules of the District Plan.