For a standard building consent application, the statutory processing period is generally 20 working days from receipt of a complete application. Requests for further information suspend the clock, so the elapsed calendar time can be longer.
Separate preparation from processing
The council processing period does not include designing the project, obtaining specialist reports or preparing coordinated drawings and specifications. Allow for those tasks in the overall programme. Confirm which information is needed for a complete application before setting a construction start date.
Understand working days and pauses
Working days are not the same as calendar days. Public holidays and the statutory Christmas and New Year exclusion affect the count. If the council formally requests further information, the processing clock is suspended while the response is outstanding. The time required to coordinate an engineering response or revise drawings can therefore extend the elapsed period.
Keep the response coordinated
Answer each council request clearly and ensure that all affected documents are updated together. Incomplete or inconsistent replies can generate further questions. Agree who manages communications and keep a record of submissions, responses and remaining actions. The statutory period should not be presented as a guaranteed date for starting work.
Plan the next stage realistically
Consent approval is one milestone. Fees, conditions, builder availability, procurement and any separate planning approvals may still affect mobilisation. Modal includes consent preparation and coordination within the agreed scope and programme. Review our design process to understand the work that happens before and after the application, and confirm the current pathway with your council for unusual or specialised applications.
Related questions
- How do I navigate the building and resource consent process?
- Do I need building consent for a renovation?
- What happens if council requests further information during building consent?
Further guidance
Regulatory guidance checked September 2026. Confirm the current requirements for your project.
