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Resource consent process for notified/limited notified applications - Flowchart

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PDF download,resource conent notified limited notified applications diagram, 42 KB

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PDF download,resource conent notified limited notified applications diagram, 42 KB

 

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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 5 working days to check the application for completeness.  There is an opportunity during the completeness check to:

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

4. Is the application complete?

5. If the application is incomplete, it is 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))

     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:

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

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

     f. 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:

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

     d. 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: Notified/Limited notified applications.  Notified and limited notified resource consents can involve three decision paths – those that do not require a hearing, those that require a hearing and those that require a hearing and pre-circulation of evidence.  The processing time for such applications varies between 50 and 85 working days.

14. Notification determination. The notification determination needs to be made within 10 working days after the application is first lodged (s95).

15. Application notified, 20 working day submission period (s97).  Applicant or submitter can request independent hearing commissioners up to 5 working days after the close of submissions (s100A(3)).

16. Is further information / report is needed?

17. If further information / report is needed, return to point 9.

18. If further information /report is not needed, is a hearing required?

19. If a hearing is not required, the decision on the application is to be issued no more than 20 working days after submissions close (s115(4)). Total working days = 50.

20. If a hearing is required (note that a pre-hearing meeting (s99) or mediation (s99A) may also occur), is pre-circulation of evidence required?

21. If pre-circulation of evidence is not required, a hearing is to be held no more than 25 working days after submissions close (s101(2)(c)).  Notice of hearing is to be provided at least 10 working days before the hearing (s101(3)).

22. Notice of decision is to be issued no more than 15 working days after the hearing closes (s115(2)).  The hearing must close within 15 working days of applicant’s right of reply (s103A(2)).  Total working days = 70.

23. If pre-circulation of evidence is required, the hearing is to be held no more than 40 working days after submissions close (s41B(7)).  Notice of hearing is to be provided at least 10 working days before the hearing (s101(3)).  The applicant’s evidence is required 10 working days before the hearing (s41B(2) and the submitter’s evidence is required 5 working days before the hearing (s41B(3) and (4)).

24. Notice of decision is to be issued no more than 15 working days after the hearing closes.  The hearing must close within 10 working days of the applicant’s right of reply (s103A(2)).  Total working days = 85.

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

  • s88C(1)(b)(i) – First request for further information (s92)
  • s88C(1)(b)(ii) – First request for further information after the close of submissions (s92)
  • s88C(6) – The commissioning of a report (s92(2)(b))
  • s88E(2) – Waiting for other applications to be lodged (s91(2))
  • s88E(3) – Waiting for written approval where parties are considered affected
  • s88E(5) – When referred to mediation (s99A)

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 notified/limited notified applications - Flowchart

April 2015

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