Some council services will be unavailable over the Christmas and New Year break.
Check if you need to apply or order before Friday 19 December 2025.
Some council services will be unavailable over the Christmas and New Year break.
Check if you need to apply or order before Friday 19 December 2025.
Online EFTPOS is temporarily down from 31 October 2025 while we do essential system upgrades. We expect the service to be back online in mid-2026. During this time, you will need to use another form of payment.
A shade sail is a fabric (or similar lightweight permeable material) that provides shelter or protection from direct sunlight. It is usually attached to the outside of a building or it is freestanding with its own support structure.
Before checking whether you need a consent for your shade sail, you need to know:
There will be an explanation on how to calculate these factors in the online consent tool.
If your shade sail is close to a boundary, and you have the written approval from your neighbours, you can apply for a Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity.
This application replaces the need to apply for a resource consent.
You will still need to apply for a building consent, if required.
Our online tool helps you check if you need a building or resource consent for your shade sail.
This tool only applies to shade sails located on the ground or ground floor of a building.
Have your plans ready before you start.
It should take you about 10 minutes to complete
Contact us on 09 301 0101.
Visit your nearest library with council services.
There are significant wind loadings on shade sails, so the design and fixings need careful thought. When attaching shade sails to the exterior of a building, pay attention to weathertightness details. All connections into the building and those providing support for the sail must also prevent moisture getting into the building.
Your building work must:
To avoid delays in processing your shade sail consent application you should:
If your shade sail is close to a boundary, and you have the written approval from your neighbours, you can apply for a Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity.
This application replaces the need to apply for a resource consent.
You will still need to apply for a building consent, if required.
If your shade sail is close to a boundary, and you have the written approval from your neighbours, you can apply for a Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity.
This application replaces the need to apply for a resource consent.
You will still need to apply for a building consent, if required.
Download and complete the Lodgement checklist: Residential.
You will need to login to complete the online application and pay by MasterCard, Visa, Online EFTPOS or Account2Account (bank transfer).
We only accept online applications for this service. If you are unable to apply digitally, visit one of our libraries with council services for assistance in making your online application.
Call us on 09 301 0101 to speak with our building and planning help desk if you have questions regarding your application.
The consent fee depends on the value and complexity of your project.
There are separate fees for resource and building consents.
Use our deposit calculator to find out.
We will process your application within 10 working days.
We will let you know the decision by email or post.