Finding the Right Resource Consent Planner: Your Ultimate Guide
When it comes to resource consent planning, choosing the right planner can make all the difference in your project's success.
This guide will walk you through the process of finding and evaluating the best resource consent planner for your needs, including an overview of the different types of planners, how to create a project brief, and the benefits of working with a professional planner.
Types of Planners and their Specialisations
There are several types of planners with varying specialisations, which may impact your decision when selecting the right planner for your project:
Transport Planner: Focuses on transport networks, including infrastructure and users such as pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, freight, and trains.
Environmental Planner: Works with the natural environment, including coastal marine areas, freshwater bodies, ecology, vegetation, and stormwater management.
Development Planner: Specialises in subdivisions, new buildings, and cultural or heritage structures.
When You Need a Planner
Resource consent planners may be needed for a variety of projects, including house extensions, subdivisions, works within the coastal marine area or freshwater bodies, removing or pruning protected vegetation, undertaking earthworks, or making changes to heritage or cultural sites.
We’ve created an ultimate guide to resource consents which sets out the most commonly asked questions and answers on resource consents in Auckland and elsewhere.
Benefits of Hiring a Planner
Hiring a professional planner can save you time, money, and stress by ensuring your project is compliant with local regulations and requirements. District and regional plans are often length and not terribly user friendly, and even experienced planners will take their time familiarising themselves with a new plan they haven’t worked with before!
Planners can help you navigate complex council and RMA processes, making the entire process smoother and more efficient.
How to Find and Evaluate a Planner
Prepare a Project Brief: Outline the scope of work, including project description, methodology, exclusions, deadline for completion, and any other required documentation. If you're unsure what to include, consult with someone who can help prepare the brief.
Request Offers of Service: Reach out to potential planners and provide your project brief. In response, they should provide an offer of service that details the costs, scope, and any exclusions.
Evaluate Offers and Ask Questions: Compare offers and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand what's included and excluded, as well as any additional reports or services that may be needed.
Check Professional Memberships and Affiliations: Look for planners who are members of professional organisations like the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI), which requires adherence to high standards of professionalism and ethics. Make sure to check the current credentials of the planner you are thinking of working with.
Hiring a Planner
Once you have evaluated potential planners and selected the best fit for your project, they will formalise your agreement with a contract (often referred to as a ‘Short Form Agreement’) that clearly outlines the scope of work, costs, deadlines, and other terms.
If the planner has prepared a comprehensive fee proposal, this document will often form a part of that agreement.
If you’re unsure about any clauses or parts of the agreement, ask the planner to explain, or seek independent advice from a third-party such as a solicitor.
Costs and Fees
Resource consent application fees can vary based on the type and complexity of the project, and the council area of the project.
Consult with your chosen planner to get an estimate of their fees and be sure to factor in any additional costs, such as council fees or supporting expert reports.
Next Steps
Now that you know the basics of finding and evaluating a resource consent planner, you're ready to begin your search.
Don't forget to use the NZPI Planning Consultants database for a comprehensive list of planning professionals in your area and check the credentials of the planner you choose to work with.
Remember, the right planner can be instrumental in ensuring the success of your project, so take your time and make an informed decision.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to us using the form below. Good luck!
