Building consent vs resource consent: what is the difference?

Building consent confirms that proposed work meets the Building Code — structure, fire, access, moisture. It is issued under the Building Act by your council (or a private BC issuer) and is required for most construction and alteration work.

Resource consent is separate: it authorises the activity on the land under planning rules. You can hold building consent for a garage that you are not allowed to build because the district plan prohibits it in that location — which is why planners tell you to check zoning first.

For a simple internal renovation, you may only need building consent (or be exempt). For a new dwelling in a sensitive coastal zone, expect resource consent, possibly engineering assessments, then building consent — each with its own fees and clock.

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