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Resource consent process for non-notified applications - Flowchart

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PDF download,resource consent process for non notified applications, 210 KB

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PDF download,resource consent process for non notified applications, 210 KB

Read a description of the flow chart
 

 

Step 1: Application lodgement and completeness assessment. Section 88 allows the local authority to check the application for completeness, before accepting it for processing.


1. Although not a statutory requirement, pre-application meetings can be held with the applicant to determine the scope of the application and to clarify information required.

2. Application is lodged by the applicant (s88).  The working days begin on the first full day after lodgement.

3. The application is checked for completeness (s88(3)).  The council has 10 working days to check the application for completeness.  The completeness check provides an opportunity to:

  • Undertake initial review
  • Undertake initial expert input
  • Check/request written approvals
  • Request required information.

4. Is the application complete?

5. If the application is incomplete, it must be returned to the applicant with an explanation (s88(3)).  The application must be re-lodged as a new application (s88(4)) starting the process back at point 2. 

6. If the application is complete, processing is continued (go to point 7).

Step 2: Further information

7. Is further information / report needed?

8. If further information is not needed go to point 14.

9. If further information / report is needed either:

     a. The applicant is requested to provide the information (s92(1)); or

     b. The local authority commissions a report (s92(2))

9A.  [Following from point 9a above] Where the applicant is requested to provide information, the applicant:

     a. Provides the information within 15 working days (s92A(1)(a))

     b. Within 15 working days confirms in writing that they agree to provide the information (s92A(1)(b))

     c. Provides no response or refuses to provide information (s92A(1)(c))

9AA.  Has all the information requested been received? Go to point 10.

9AB.  Where notice from the applicant that they agree to provide the information has been received, the council sets a timeframe within which the applicant must provide the information and advises the applicant (s92A(2)(a)). Go to point 10.

9AC.  Where the applicant has provided no response or refuses to provide information or commissioning of report, publicly notify the application if a notification determination has not already been made (s95C).  Continue to process the application (s92A(3) and s92B(2)).  Go to point 14.

9B.  [Following from point 9b above] Where the local authority wants to commission a report, the applicant:

     a. Provides no response or refuses to the commissioning of report (s92B(2)). (Go to point 9AC)

     b. Within 15 working days confirms in writing that they agree to the commissioning of report (s92B(1)).

9BB. Where the applicant has confirmed in writing to the commissioning of report, the report is then received.  Go back to point 7.

10. If the information requested is received, go back to point 7.

11. If not all the information requested is received, does the applicant agree to provide the outstanding requested information (must be within the scope of the original request)?

12. If the applicant agrees to provide the outstanding requested information go to point 9AB.

13. If the applicant does not agree to provide the outstanding requested information, go to point 9AC.

Step 3: Non-notified applications.  Non-notified resource consents involve two decision paths – those that require hearings and those that do not.  The timeframe for processing a non-notified application without a hearing is 20 working days and with a hearing is 40 working days.

  1. Notification determination. The notification determination needs to be made within 10 working days after the application is first lodged (s95).
  2. For a non-notified application, is a hearing required?
  3. If a hearing is not required, the notice of decision is required within 20 working days after the date the application was first lodged (s115(3)).  Total working days = 20.
  4. If a hearing is required, a pre-hearing meeting (s99) or mediation (s99A) may occur.
  5. If a hearing is required, the hearing is to be held within 25 working days after the date the application was first lodged (s101(2)(b)).  Notice of hearing is to be provided at least 10 working days before the hearing (s101(3)).
  6. The notice of decision is to be issued no more than 15 working days after the date the hearing closed (s115(2)).  Total working days = 50.

Notes:
The Act only allows the ‘clock’ to be stopped for the following reasons for non-notified applications:

  • s88C(1) – First request for further information (s92)
  • s88C(3) + (5) – The commissioning of a report (s92(2)(b))
  • s88E(1) – Waiting for other applications to be lodged (s91(2))
  • s88E(3) – Waiting for written approval where parties are considered affected.
  • s88G – The applicant requests to suspend processing of consent
  • s88H – Waiting for payment of relevant administrative charges.

The consent authority may only extend the time periods of the Act as follows:

  • s37A(4) – When the extension sought is no more than twice the maximum time period and special circumstances exist (or the applicant agrees to the extension); or
  • s37A(5) – When the extension sought is more than twice the maximum period and the applicant agrees to the extension.

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Resource consent process for non-notified applications - Flowchart

March 2015

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