NAVIGATING CONSENTS
Getting a project designed is only part of the process. Getting it approved can involve another layer of questions, coordination and specialist input.
Some projects follow a relatively straightforward consent pathway. Others involve planning rules, natural hazards, engineering, servicing, fire, accessibility or other requirements that need to be understood and resolved.
For clients, the difficult part is often not knowing what will be required, who needs to be involved, or why another question has suddenly arisen.
My role is to help navigate that process, coordinate the information required, and keep the wider project in view as issues are worked through.
WHAT I DO
To help guide my clients through the approvals process I:
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Prepare and lodge consent documentation
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Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs)
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Co-ordinate engineers and specialist consultants
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Manage communication with regulatory authorities
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Help resolve issues as they arise during the project
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Keep the project moving with clear communication and direction
WHY IT MATTERS
Consent is no longer simply an administrative step between design and construction.
Questions raised during the approval process can affect the design, engineering, cost and programme of a project. Because I understand the thinking behind the design and the wider project objectives, I can help explain decisions, coordinate responses and consider the implications of changes before they are made.
The aim is not to promise a question free consent process. It is to respond clearly, keep decisions connected and help the project continue moving forward.
Frequently asked Questions
Will my project need a Building Consent?
It depends on the work proposed. Many building projects require consent, while some smaller or specific types of work may be exempt under the Building Act. I can help identify the likely pathway and, where necessary, confirm what information will be required before significant design work progresses.
Will I need a Resource Consent?
Resource Consent requirements depend on the site, planning rules and the work proposed. Height, boundaries, earthworks, natural hazards, heritage, landscape values and the intended use of a building can all influence the pathway.
The need for Resource Consent is often best considered early, before the design becomes too fixed.
Can requirements change during the process?
Sometimes. Interpretation or weighting of rules can change from time to time. Additional questions or specialist input requirements can and often do arise as projects develop.
Does Regulatory Co-ordination involve additional costs?
Yes. Councils will charge their hourly rate for any time spend processing your project in 15min increments.
I allow a standard consent preparation, and co-ordination phase which is generally anticipated as part of a project, so we allow a sum to cover those services.
However additional requests from councils or specialist input can arise during the approval process. This may include engineering advice, surveys, further documentation or additional project co-ordination.
Where additional services are required, I will discuss these with you before proceeding wherever practical so that costs remain transparent and decisions can be made with confidence.
Development Contribution levies may be charged in addition to consenting costs depending on the councils Development Contributions policy.
How much do councils charge?
Council fees vary between authorities and depend on the type, size and complexity of a project. Charges differ significantly from one project to another, with factors such as council hourly rates, consent complexity, specialist review requirements, MBIE and BRANZ levies and processing time all influencing the overall cost.
Council charges can include application processing, consent assessment, inspections during construction, development levies where applicable, document management and other regulatory administration costs.
Additional consultant costs, such as engineering, surveying, planning input or specialist reports, are generally separate to council fees and may also be required depending on the project.
While I can often provide guidance based on similar projects and past experience, final charges are determined by the relevant authority and other consultants involved, and can vary over time.
Regulatory and consultant costs have increased considerably in recent years and can form a meaningful component of overall project costs, particularly for more complex projects.
Who pays the council fees?
Council fees and third-party consultant costs such as engineering, surveying, planning and specialist reports are always separate from my architectural fees and payable direct by my clients unless specifically noted otherwise. I help identify likely requirements early and can assist with obtaining and co-ordinating these services throughout the project.
Is consent guaranteed?
No approval process can be guaranteed. Councils and regulatory authorities independently assess each application against planning rules, building regulations and other project-specific considerations.
Requirements often vary between projects and additional information, or specialist input may sometimes be requested during the process to resolve queries.
My role is to prepare and co-ordinate applications carefully, identify potential issues early and guide the project through the process as smoothly as possible. While we work to reduce risk and avoid unnecessary delays, final decisions remain with the relevant authority.
Ready to talk about your project?
You don't need to have everything worked out. Tell me what you're considering and we can start from there.
Enquiries are typically responded to within 1 business day during normal business hours.
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