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Planning Bill

Planning consents - Applying for planning consent - General requirements

109: Applying for planning consent

You could also call this:

"How to ask for planning permission"

You can apply for planning consent by giving your application to the right consent authority. You must fill out the form in the correct way and include the information required by Schedule 6. You need to give enough detail, but not too much, depending on how big or important your project is. You have to make sure your application has the right information, as stated in subsection (2)(b). The consent authority can still accept your application if it is not perfect, but they must think the information you gave is enough for your project. Your application is considered lodged on the day the consent authority gets it. The consent authority looks at your application to decide if you can get planning consent. You must follow the rules when you apply for planning consent. The rules say what you need to do and what information you need to give.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1434087.

This page was last updated on 12 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Environment and resources > Town planningHousing and property > Land use

108: Prior consultation not required, or

"No need to talk to others before applying for planning consent"

110: Activity classification to remain the same, or

"Your planning application will follow the old rules if they change after you apply."

Part 4Planning consents
Applying for planning consent: General requirements

109Applying for planning consent

A person may apply for a planning consent by lodging an application with the relevant consent authority.
An application must—
be made in the prescribed form and manner; and
include the information that is required by Schedule 6.

An applicant must ensure that information required by subsection (2)(b) is provided at a level of detail that is proportionate to the scale and significance of the matter to which the application relates.
A consent authority may accept an application that does not fully comply with subsection (2)(b) if the authority is satisfied that the information provided by the applicant is proportionate to the scale and significance of the matter to which the application relates.
An application is lodged on the date that it is received by the relevant consent authority.