Building Consent, Resource Consent or Both? What You Actually Need

“Consent” gets thrown around a lot when you’re planning a build, and it’s easy to lose track of what’s what. Do you need building consent? Resource consent? Both? Neither? And what happens if you skip it?

Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to the difference, how long it takes, and what’s changed recently.

Building Consent: Is It Safe and Does It Meet the Code?

A building consent is about the building itself. It confirms that your plans comply with the New Zealand Building Code, which covers things like structure, weathertightness, fire safety, drainage, insulation and more. It’s issued under the Building Act.

Most new homes, extensions and significant alterations need one. Your designer or architect usually prepares and submits the application, and once consent is granted, council inspectors check the work at key stages. When it’s all complete, the council issues a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC), which is the official record that the work was done in line with the consent.

In the Auckland region, the statutory timeframe for processing a building consent is 20 working days. In reality, the clock can stop if the council asks for further information, so it can take longer overall.

Resource Consent: Is It Allowed on This Site?

A resource consent is about land use and the effect of a project on the environment and neighbours. It’s issued under the Resource Management Act and is guided by the Auckland Unitary Plan. It answers a different question: even if the building is safe, is it allowed where you want to put it?

You may need one if your project breaches a rule, such as height, setbacks from boundaries, site coverage, or if the site has overlays like coastal protection, significant ecological areas, or natural hazards. Earthworks and vegetation removal can also trigger it. If your project fits within the rules, you generally won’t need one.

Non-notified resource consents have a 20 working day timeframe too, though if the application needs to be notified to neighbours or the public, or if the council asks for further information, it can take considerably longer. This is why we always suggest finding out early whether you need it.

You Might Need Both, and They’re Separate

On a lot of projects, especially on coastal or sloping sites around Omaha and Matakana, both are needed. Resource consent usually comes first, since the council needs to be happy with what you’re proposing before the detailed building plans are finalised. Building consent then follows.

That’s why we recommend getting your designer, and ideally your builder, involved early. A design that pushes on a planning rule can add months to a project, while a small adjustment at the design stage might avoid the need for a resource consent altogether.

What’s Changed: Granny Flats and Small Dwellings

In January 2026, new rules came into force that make it easier to build a small standalone dwelling, commonly called a granny flat, on an existing property. The rules include:

No building consent needed for a single-storey standalone dwelling up to 70 square metres, provided it’s a simple design that meets the Building Code, and the work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals.

No resource consent is needed in many cases, under a national standard for detached minor residential units, as long as the design meets the permitted conditions.

It’s not paperwork-free. You’ll need to get a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from the council before you start, and notify the council when the work is finished with documents like final plans, records of work and compliance certificates. Development contributions may still apply.

The conditions are specific. For example, the 70 square metres includes any internal garage, and a design that misses one of the criteria drops back into the standard consenting process. These rules are also still evolving, so it’s worth checking the current requirements with your designer or builder before you get too far into planning.

Work That Doesn’t Need Building Consent

There’s also a list of minor building work that doesn’t need a consent, such as some small sheds, low-level decks, and minor repairs and maintenance. But “no consent” doesn’t mean “no rules”. The work still has to comply with the Building Code, and some of it can only be done by licensed professionals. It’s worth checking before you assume.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Consent

It can be tempting to build without consent to save time or money. We’d strongly advise against it. Unconsented work can mean a council notice to fix or remove it, problems getting insurance, and difficulty selling because a buyer’s lawyer will ask for the paperwork. Fixing it retrospectively is often more expensive than doing it right the first time.

Not Sure What You Need?

Consents can feel like the least exciting part of building, but getting them right at the start is what keeps a project on track. If you’re planning something around Warkworth, Matakana or Omaha and aren’t sure which consents apply, get in touch with the ABC team. We’ll help you work out what’s needed and who to talk to.