Making a Start

Our advice is ensure you check out the feasibility and legalities of your proposal with the relevant Council departments:

  • In the first instance, please contact our Customer Services team with your enquiry.
  • Resource consent planning - for District Plan and RMA information about setting up a business at your chosen site
  • Building consent - for information about new buildings or making renovations to an existing building, fire safety requirements etc.
  • Environmental Health Officers for advice about Health Act legislative requirements and registration. 

When purchasing a new building or business it is recommended you obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM). This is a report on what the Council know about the land and buildings at your chosen site.

Please note before a registration certificate can be issued, you'll need to ensure you have obtained all necessary consents and approvals e.g. Resource Consent (under the RMA), or Certificate of Compliance or a Code Compliance Certificate or Certificate of Public Use (under the Building Act) etc.

A pre-opening inspection by an Environmental Health Officer will be needed as part of the registration/approval process. The purpose of this inspection will be to check for compliance with the relevant legislation and to discuss any queries you may have.

Note: Additional fees may apply for inspection/approval services prior to registration that are in addition to registration fees.