If your event could impact on the environment, or could affect other people, you may require resource consent.
The Dunedin City Council (DCC) has statutory responsibilities under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and is tasked with promoting sustainable management of both the natural and built environment through a range of tools, including land use planning.
We encourage you to discuss your event with our Planning team (New window), to help you prepare your application.
This is required for events for:
- exceeding permitted noise limits
- exceeding the permitted hours of operation
- signage
- changing the existing use of the site identified for the event.
Due to the time it takes to process resource consent applications, it is important you apply early. Sometimes applications can be processed without the need for public notification, such as when environmental effects will be minor and/or the event manager has been able to obtain the written approvals of all the people identified as potentially affected. In such a case the resource consent will take up to four weeks to process.
However, if the resource consent application requires public notification, it can take up to four months to process. The more time allowed the better - the best advice is to make your resource consent submission six months before your event. Note also that a processing 'dead period' over Christmas may add further processing time. These timeframes depend on you providing accurate information in your application, otherwise they are likely to be extended while the DCC asks you for further information. The information needed from you when discussing your event or considering your application for resource consent includes:
- a description of the event, its location, date, duration and how it will operate
- a site plan showing layout of activities, buildings, parking areas, signs, other structures etc.
- anticipated numbers of people who will be attending the event, including staff
- noise levels likely to result from the event
- proposed signage for the event.
For resource consent applications, you must also produce an assessment of environmental effects. This is a description of all the effects that your proposal could have on the environment. While these are likely to be temporary, they are still of interest, particularly if large or of high impact. Likely effects will include matters such as noise, increased traffic, changes to the use of public spaces and visual effects.
To find out whether you will need resource consent and how much the consent fees are, contact our Resource Consents team (New window).
Signage
Signage plays a crucial role in informing people about everything that is happening at your event, and where it is happening. Signage should be used to indicate:
- toilets, first aid, lost and found (children and personal belongings)
- rubbish and recycling bin locations
- entrances and exits, car parking, fire and emergency exits
- food stalls.
There are rules for temporary signage, including event promotion signs. It is recommended to check with the Resource Consent team about the rules for event signs first. Signage may require a resource consent depending on the quantity and their size, height, content and location.
Noise
If you are using a public address system or amplified music, there may be noise issues. If the DCC receives a noise complaint during your event, it will investigate. If the noise is subjectively assessed as unreasonably interfering with peace, comfort and convenience, the DCC may request the noise be reduced to a reasonable level. Any requests by a warranted noise control officer to reduce the noise should be complied with immediately.
It is a good idea to drop leaflets to neighbouring residents and businesses well in advance of the event giving them details including what the event is, where and when it is to be held, who it is aimed at, how long it is likely to last, and the sort of noise you expect to make.
To find out about noise restrictions and how they might impact on your event, contact our Noise Control team on 03 477 4000.