Tirohia mēnā me tono whakaaetanga rānei koe mō te whakauru, ki te panoni pūnaha tuku wai para ā-kāinga ake rānei Check if you need a consent to install or alter an on-site wastewater system

When you might need a building and resource consent to install or alter an on-site wastewater system

You will need a building consent, and you may need a resource consent to install a new wastewater system or to make proposed alterations to that system. The consents ensure the system complies with the building code and does not endanger the environment or public health.

You may need a resource consent for discharging the treated wastewater (water from showers, baths, washing machines and toilets) onto or into your land.

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Wastewater facts - guidelines for one-off consent requirements PDF 304 KB
Wastewater consent compliance - a guide for consent holders PDF 344 KB

You will need to renew your consent when it expires (usually after 10 or 15 years).

Our tip

If you sell your property, you will need to transfer the consent to the new owner. Otherwise we will continue to charge you the monitoring fee.

Reasons why else you might need a resource consent

Your proposed works don't comply with the Auckland Unitary Plan, Chapter E5 (PDF 99.7KB) rules.
Your proposed effluent field will be installed:
- in the '1 in 20-year ARI floodplain' area
- on earthworked or potentially compacted land
Your system and design is not in accordance with the Technical Publication No. 58 (TP58).

Proposed works that might not need a building or resource consent

You can do maintenance, minor repairs, replacements or alterations to drains or a component of an existing system, without a building consent.

Auckland Unitary Plan, Chapter E5 lists permitted activities (P) that do not need a resource consent. It also states the standards for those activities.

You still need to ensure your proposed works comply with the New Zealand Building Code.

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How to check if you need a consent to install a wastewater system

By phone

Call us on 09 301 0101 and ask for the planning helpdesk to check if you need a consent.

You should know

Your building work must:

comply with the Building Code, even if no building consent is needed
not damage public service drains if its foundations are close to the pipes.

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Tirohia mēnā me tono whakaaetanga rānei koe mō te whakauru, ki te panoni pūnaha tuku wai para ā-kāinga ake rānei Check if you need a consent to install or alter an on-site wastewater system

When you might need a building and resource consent to install or alter an on-site wastewater system

Reasons why else you might need a resource consent

Proposed works that might not need a building or resource consent

How to check if you need a consent to install a wastewater system

By phone

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