Resource consent pre-application guidance

​Before you apply for pre-application guidance

​Check information online first

You may not need to request pre-application advice because the resource consent information you need is already on our website.

You can also view the Ministry for the Environment's online resource consent guide.

For basic resource consent questions, see our Pre-application online resources index for an extensive range of online resources. There is a cost to requesting guidance from us, so it is important to check this index before applying.

​Planning information advisory helpdesk

For general information and advice on resource consent processes and planning legislation, you can contact us and ask to speak to a Planning Information Advisor.

Planning Information Advisors are available from 8:30am to 12pm.

Contact us on:

09 301 0101

Complete the pre-application checklist

Before requesting pre-application guidance, complete our checklist to see if your project is eligible.

If your project is eligible and you wish to request pre-application guidance, you will need to attach this completed document to the online form.

​Complete the declaration if you are not an approved account customer

What pre-application guidance includes

Depending on the nature of your project, you may need more than one resource consent approval.

We can advise on the approvals you will need for your project and  in what order to approach them.

We provide you with information and guidance to ensure you have a good understanding of what needs to be done before you submit your application. This could save you time and money later.

We can help you:

• confirm if you need a consent
• understand the consent application process
• understand consent fees and related charges, such as financial and development contributions fees
• get guidance on the expertise you may need to help with your project
• identify areas to focus on when gathering information to support your application
• get a good understanding of what's needed for a good quality resource consent application.
• lodge an application that will be processed efficiently and without delay.

Getting advice from a professional can substantially reduce the likelihood of delays during processing.

Due to the technical nature of consents, we encourage you to get professional input into your application from a resource management consultant, planner, architect, engineer, or draughtsperson.

Meeting confidentiality

We regard the content of all pre-application meetings as confidential. However, if we receive an Official Information Request (OIA), this information could be released. 

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

What you need to request pre-application guidance

You will need to provide:

• a completed resource consent pre-application checklist    
• a completed resource consent application declaration form if you are not an approved credit account customer
• conceptual plans
• drawings
• photos
• draft assessments of environmental effects
• any other relevant information you have.

• let us know, in advance, about the topics or issues you would like to discuss
• provide us with as much detailed information as possible, even if your ideas are only conceptual
• identify which, if any, Auckland Council specialists you want guidance from
• let us know if you want a face to face meeting or a virtual online meeting.

How to request resource consent pre-application guidance online

Request guidance 

We only accept online applications for resource consent pre-application guidance.

If there is no way to provide digital copies of your plans or documents, visit one of our libraries with council services. We can scan in your documents for an additional charge.

Pre-application guidance fee

You will need to pay a deposit when you request resource consent pre-application guidance.

You will be invoiced for costs that exceed the initial fee paid.

What happens next

A regulatory support officer will contact you within five working days to discuss your request.

It is important that we have a clear understanding of your project so we can make sure the right specialists are involved.

Follow up on your request

If it has been more than five working days since you applied, contact us on 09 301 0101.

More information on pre-application guidance

If you are not sure whether you need pre-application guidance:

• call us on 09 301 0101
• fill out our contact us form
• visit one of our libraries with council services.