Resource consents for events

If you're planning an event in Lower Hutt, you might need a resource consent. Don’t worry—this guide walks you through what that means and what to do.

What is a Resource Consent?

A resource consent is official permission from Council allowing you to use land in a way that might affect neighbours or the environment and isn't usually permitted under our rules (called the District Plan). It acts like a contract, granting you permission for your activity with conditions and management plans you must follow.

This is separate from other approvals like building consents for temporary structures, food and alcohol licenses, temporary road closure permits, or licenses for amusement devices.

When might you need one?

You may need a resource consent if your event has impacts like:

  • High volumes of traffic, parking, or people
  • Noise levels beyond what's allowed
  • Events that last for multiple days
  • Events that start very early or run very late
  • Signage or advertising on-site
  • Road closures or disruption to public spaces
  • Use of parks or coastal areas in a way that’s not normally allowed

We check your proposed event against the rules in the District Plan. Your chosen location will have a zone and might have extra overlays, which set out the District Plan rules you need to follow. If your event meets all these rules, it’s a permitted activity that won’t need resource consent. If it breaches any rules, you'll need to apply for consent.

How to find out if you need one

  1. Start early – aim to check at least 3–6 months before your event.
  2. Contact the Council’s Resource Consents Team:
  3. Tell them:
    • What your event is
    • Where it will happen
    • When it will happen
    • Expected numbers and activities
    • Include any site plans, designs, or schedules.

The Resource Consent team can provide high level advice on whether a consent is needed or not. For more detailed advice such as how non-compliances would be assessed or the requirements of any management plans, we offer pre-application consultation meetings. (Book a pre-application meeting | Hutt City Council) You can also engage a planning consultant to do this all on your behalf.

You can also check the rules yourself, using the District Plan and our public maps viewer. You can search for the property and overlays here: HCC GIS Viewer

And access our District Plan here: District Plan - City of Lower Hutt District Plan

If you DO need a consent

  1. Identify all the relevant rules that you need a consent for.
  2. Prepare your application, including any required forms, an assessment of environmental effects, site plans, and relevant management plans. (How to apply for a resource consent | Hutt City Council)
  3. Apply online here (https://www.jotform.com/220507873535054)
  4. Once received, we’ll issue an invoice for the deposit for a non-notified land use consent (Resource consent charges and fees | Hutt City Council)
  5. Council planners will assess your application. We have a 20-working day timeframe to issue a decision. Your application may be put hold if we request further information, until we’ve received enough information to continue.

While you can prepare an application yourself, if you are uncertain or planning a large-scale event, we would strongly recommend engaging the help of a professional planner.

Other permits, licences, or consents you may need: