A pre-application meeting is an opportunity for you to discuss your proposed project with Council staff.
Pre-application meetings are available for projects requiring building consents or resource consents. A building consent establishes that your proposed building work complies with Building Act 2004 and the building code.
A building consent is separate to a resource consent, which is formal approval under the Resource Management Act 1991 that is required when a proposed building or activity does not comply with all the relevant rules in the Christchurch District Plan. You may need one or both types of consents for your proposal.
Discussions with us before you lodge your application can be especially helpful before or at the design stage for the following types of projects:
- Commercial (including non-residential activities within or adjoining living zones)
- Multi-residential
- Complex building issues
- Port Hills
- Large scale or complex subdivisions
- Change of use (e.g. residential home into a shop)
- Staged building consents.
If you are not sure whether you need a pre-application meeting, contact the Council on (03) 941 8686 or email CCGRegulatoryAdvice@ccc.govt.nz.
You might also want to apply for a project information memorandum (PIM) to find out information known to the Council, which may be relevant to your proposal.
If you are planning a large development, subdivision or building that may need consents or permits, we recommend you engage an experienced professional (see the New Zealand Planning Institutes Online Consultants Directory(external link)) as they will be able to help you make informed decisions about your proposal and submit a comprehensive consent application for you.
Pre-application meetings are confidential and information about these meetings cannot be disclosed to other parties.