8. Authority Consents

Question 1

What is the key legislation involved?

Answer 1

Local Government Act - requires District Plan which sets out rules for land use

RMA - regulates planning and building use to achieve a sustainable environment with minimised impact on surrounding amenity

Building Act - technical requirements

Question 2

What is the authority planning process? (3)

Answer 2

Councils prepare operative district schemes
Draft –> consultation/objection process –> become operative
Applications must comply with draft and operative

Question 3

How is the public realm addressed in authority planning?

Answer 3

Sites must positively integrate with the area

Question 4

How is the RMA planning to be replaced?

Answer 4

With 3 pieces of legislation including the Natural and Built Environment Bill and the National Planning Framework

Question 5

How is interpretation of RMA broadening?

Answer 5

Impact on environment includes not just physical but also spiritual, emotional, heritage etc.

Question 6

What is an integral requirement under urban design planning?

Answer 6

Development needs to positively relate to the surrounding land/community to the benefit of the area

Question 7

What does the council want to achieve through urban planning?

Answer 7

The way the development relates to public open spaces to benefit the safety, vibrancy and economy of town centres, making them better places to live and work

Question 8

How do the councils manage urban planning?

Answer 8

Urban planner or urban design panels reviewing applications

Question 9

What are 4 common outcomes of urban planning for developments?

Answer 9

1. Frontage and exteriors focus on pedestrian
2. Mixed use requirements
3. Public open space interaction
4. Plan for walking, then biking, then public transport, then private cars

Question 10

What are 9 common outcomes of urban planning for cities?

Answer 10

1. Excellent design
2. Amenities
3. Reduced energy usage
4. Order of transport encouraged
5. Green designs
6. Less sprawl
7. More affordable housing
8. Improved public health
   9, Vitality, diversity, safety

Question 11

What 2 things do RC applications need to demonstrate?

Answer 11

1. Compliance with operative and draft district schemes and their objectives for zoning and urban design impact
2. Detailed assessment of potential affects (EIA) including consultation

Question 12

What are possible outcomes from a RC application?

Answer 12

Non notified - if affects are less than minor
Notified - advertised for all to object
Limited notification - advertised to Council designated parties to object

Appeals to Environment Court (can go directly for major applications likely to be notified)

Question 13

What direct fees are payable for approvals?

Answer 13

1. Council staff costs and reviewing consultants
2. Development fee
3. Fees for water, power, infrastructure changes

Question 14

What other costs can arise for developments?

Answer 14

From conditions including contamination removal, roading upgrades, specific infrastructure conditions

Question 15

What is required in a BC application?

Answer 15

Full design drawings + peer engineer reviews for structural, fire, mechanical, facade

Question 16

What is required for façade engineering in BC applications and two problems it causes?

Answer 16

Subcontractor details on materials etc is required
1. Problem because would need to engage these parties around 3 months earlier than planned
2. Another problem as head contractor will not provide a fixed price without these consent details

Question 17

How long do BCs take to process?

Answer 17

Normally around 8-18 weeks

Question 18

What is the 10 step process to consent?

Answer 18

1. Apply for LIM
2. Submit RC for land use
3. Submit RC for building (notification)
4. Submit BC
5. Construction
6. Inspection on completion
7. Council issues CCC
8. Council issues compliance schedule
9. Submit certification of checks done
10. Council issues BWoF

Question 19

What is a LIM for?

Answer 19

Advises any known problems with the land

Question 20

What is land resource consent for?

Answer 20

Significant earthworks and land issues - include detailed reports on matters of mitigation

Question 21

How long does non notified usually take?

Answer 21

2-5 months

Question 22

How long does limited notification usually take and what happens if designated parties give approval?

Answer 22

3-6 months
Council reviews application as not notified

Question 23

How long does notification usually take and what happens?

Answer 23

6-12 months + 1 month appeal period to environ court
12 weeks for submissions –> hearing –> decision

Question 24

How is the process for large developments
streamlined?

Answer 24

Can submit directly to Environment Court if approved by Council (wide and complex issues)

Question 25

How long does BC usually take?

Answer 25

3-4 months

Question 26

What is a CCC and how long does it usually take?

Answer 26

1-2 months
License to occupy the building and all requirements are met

Question 27

What is a CPU?

Answer 27

Issued to allow opening where there are minor non safety matters outstanding

Question 28

What is a compliance schedule?

Answer 28

Lists ongoing checks and inspections required for BWoF

Question 29

What happens post occupation?

Answer 29

Most buildings require evacuation plan approved by fire service

Question 30

What are 4 owner responsibilities post occupation?

Answer 30

1. Building maintained
2. Building manager renews WoF annually
3. Compliance schedule and BWoF displayed in building
4. Fire evacuation drills