1 Apr 2020

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Christchurch City Council staff are continuing to process building and resource consents during the COVID-19 lockdown.

 Although the Civic Offices are closed, staff are working from home processing consents so that projects will be ready to go when the current situation eases.

Council Acting General Manager Consenting and Compliance Carolyn Gallagher says consenting and planning advisory services are operating largely unchanged.

“This is a great time to get consents submitted as staff are available and keen to be working with consent applicants, including for SKYPE pre-application meetings,’’ Ms Gallagher says

Building consents are needed to undertake building work and confirm that the planned work complies with the Building Act 2004 and the building code.

Resource consents, which are separate to building consents, are needed when a proposed building or activity doesn’t comply with all the rules in the Christchurch District Plan.

Some proposals require both types of consents.

Ms Gallagher says both building and resource consents can be applied for electronically, with staff on hand to give advice if needed.

“A duty planner remains available to the public to answer any general planning inquiries during the nationwide shutdown, by calling the Council’s main number 03 941 8999.”

Additionally, a virtual inspection service has been set up for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula residents with newly installed solid fuel heaters. Property owners can complete an online form and submit photographic evidence to show their solid fuel heater has been installed correctly and can be used.

What you can still do

You can continue to apply for a building consent electronically. 

If you have any questions about your application you can call us on  03 941 8999. Please ask for the duty building consent officer or planner. 

You can continue to get advice prior to applying for a building consent. Send your request to DutyBCO@ccc.govt.nz. We will respond within 48 hours and will ask questions or information that's needed to provide advice that has been requested.

You can continue to apply for a resource consent electronically. 

If you have any questions about your application you can email our Duty Planner at DutyPlanner@ccc.govt.nz or call us on  03 941 8999.

You can continue to get pre-application planning advice prior to applying for a resource consent. Send your request to CCCResourceconsentapplications@ccc.govt.nz and we will get back to you within 48 hours.