The Resource Management Act (RMA) statutory time limit for a non-notified (without a hearing) resource consent is 20 working days.
If the Council requests further information under s92 of the RMA, the consent is placed on hold until the response is submitted back to Council. This period is excluded from the 20 working days.
If the consent is complex, Council may double the processing timeframes under s37 of the RMA.
Generally we would suggest allowing 2-3 months for approval depending on the complexity of the application.
If the application is notified due to potential effects on neighbours, the processing timeframes are likely to be between 6-12 months.
A ball park average cost is $120k per subdivided lot. This of course varies based on complexity of requirements.
An urban design assessment is a report that assesses the impact that a development may have on the surrounding area. This report can be used by others (such as Councils) to decide whether or not the development is in harmony with the objectives set out for the wider area.
Some of the areas that are considered are the site and surrounding area, visual affects, shading, built form, privacy, public perceptions, and any existing design guidance.
The earthworks season starts 1 October and ends 30 April each year. This is the driest period of weather where moving and compacting earth is most efficient and risk of sediment generation on site is lowest.
Early starts and extensions of time to work over winter can be applied for and are assessed and approved by Councils on a case by case basis.