Limited notification is a specific type of resource consent notification under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). It applies when a proposal is likely to have no more than minor adverse effects, but the council has identified certain individuals or groups who may be affected. Only these people are notified and given the chance to make a submission.
How Limited Notification Works
When you apply for a consent, the council must decide whether anyone should be notified. The process focuses on who is actually affected:
- Check for statutory notification requirements
Some groups must always be notified, such as:- Customary rights or marine title groups
- People with statutory acknowledgements for affected land
- Determine if limited notification is allowed
Certain rules may prevent notification, for example, controlled activities under the district plan (except for subdivisions). - Identify affected persons
Council identifies those directly affected by the proposal. Common examples include:- Neighbours impacted by shading, noise, or loss of privacy
- Landowners affected by access or boundary changes
- Infrastructure providers impacted by nearby works
- Consider special circumstances
Even if no one is immediately identified, council may notify others if unusual effects are expected. The decision must be based on reliable information.
Submissions and Hearings
- Notified parties have 20 working days to lodge a submission.
- A hearing is required if a submitter requests to be heard.
- The hearing procedure is the same as for a publicly notified application.
- People making submissions can suggest conditions for the resource consent.
For more on the general notification process, including public notification, see our full guide on resource consent notification.
Key Points About Limited Notification
- Notice of the application is served on all persons identified as being adversely affected and allowing only those persons to lodge a submission
- Ensures fairness by giving impacted parties a chance to be heard
- The Council can decide whether your application has adverse effects, minor or more than minor for certain affected persons.
- Guided by the RMA and supported by professional best practice (Quality Planning, MfE, NZPI)
Aimee Snowsill
Environmental Consultant