Development Approval
Development Approval
A development approval is a legal document that gives permission for a use or development on a particular piece of land. To obtain a development approval, an application for development approval must be made to the Rakiraki Town Council office.
Development approvals ensure that development within the council complies with the Town Planning Scheme and other relevant legislation and policies.
Applicants can discuss planning proposals and preliminary plans with the Council’s Building Inspector to find out more about the process. The Building Inspector can advise applicants on a proposed development or land use and the information required lodging a complete application.
Development approval is required for most building works and/or when changing the use of a site. Applicants must seek approval from the Council to:
- Build a single house, grouped dwellings or multiple dwellings
- Extend or alter an existing building (including sheds, patios, garages, carports).
- Build a replacement structure (for example, an old patio is being dismantled and another patio is being built as a replacement)
- Change the use of the subject property
- Conduct a business from home.
Conducting a business from home
If you are proposing to establish a business from home you need to confirm the Councils requirements before commencing.
Change of use
A change of use occurs when the use of land changes from one to another, for example from shop to office. All changes of use require development approval from the Building Inspector.
Development applications can be determined by Building Inspector under delegated authority, by Council decision or by referral to the relevant state authority.
When the Department of Town and Country Planning do not have the delegation to either determine or approve applications, development applications will be referred to a Council meeting. Applicants will be notified by the Building Inspector after a full assessment.
Do I need development approval?
In many situations Development Approval is required prior to submitting a Building Permit application.
If you are uncertain whether approval is required for your development, it is highly recommended to obtain the Council’s written planning advice. To request the Town’s written advice, complete the Application for Preliminary Advice – Requirement for Development Approval.
Building Permit applications that do not meet these requirements may be refused and fees forfeited.
Waimari Road, Rakiraki
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Follow Us: