Resource Consents

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Changes to Resource Consenting Starting 30th of October 2026

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Moving from the RMA System to the New Planning System

The way that projects and developments are managed in Aotearoa New Zeland is changing.

In September 2026, two new Acts were passed which began the transition away from the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). These Acts are the Planning Act 2026, and the Natural Environment Act 2026. Together, these Acts establish the new planning system.

The transition to the new planning system will happen in stages, with the full transition expected to be completed by 2030. Until then, projects and developments will continue to be processed under the current RMA system with some targeted changes taking immediate effect. These changes are set out below.

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Changes to Residential Standards Under the RMA

Specific aspects of The Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) under the RMA have been repealed.

This means that resource consent will no longer be required for any of the following standards under the Lower Hutt District Plan:

Standard	Rules
Outlook Space	Medium Density Residential Rule 4F 4.2.11 High Density Residential Rule 4G 4.2.13
Windows to Street	Medium Density Residential Rule 4F 4.2.12 High Density Residential Rule 4G 4.2.14
Landscaped Area	Medium Density Residential Rule 4F 4.2.13 High Density Residential Rule 4G 4.2.15
Outdoor Living Space	Medium Density Residential Rule 4F 4.2.6 High Density Residential Rule 4G 4.2.8 Petone Commercial Area 2 Rule 5B 2.2.1.1(i)- Area 2 Suburban Mixed Use Area Rule 5E 4.2.4

If you would like formal confirmation that your proposal does not require a resource consent in relation to any of the above standards, you can request a Permitted Activity Notice (PAN) from Council for a fee of $280.

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Out-of-Scope Assessment Matters

Along with the above reforms, Section 104 (1A) was added to the RMA and will also take effect on the 30th of October 2026. This new section requires consenting authorities (including Hutt City Council) to disregard the following matters when assessing resource consent applications:

• For residential activities (except in relation to the protection of historic heritage): the area of glazing; the presence or absence of balconies; the outdoor living space; the internal layout; the size of a residential unit; the size of landscaped areas (except in relation to permeability).
• Negative effects of development on trade competition, including on competing providers of input goods and services.
• Effects on retail distribution.
• in relation to a project: any Lack of demand for a project; or the fact that the project is not financially viable.
• The type of residents to be housed in a new development.
• Views from private property.

How these changes are interpreted and implemented will be determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the matters relating to residential activities are relatively clear.

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Is the District Plan Going to Change as a Result of the Transitional Changes?

We will not be making any immediate changes to the current Hutt City District Plan.

However, changes will be made to the New District plan once the District Plan review process is completed, and as part of its adoption. These changes will include removing the repealed standards and addressing some of the out of scope matters referred to above.

We expect these changes to be implemented in 2027.

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What Happens to Applications Lodged Before the Start of the Transition Period?

All applications lodged before the 30th of October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the District Plan provisions and standards as they were prior to the 30th of October.

For further information or enquiries please contact the Resource Consents Team

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