If you’re planning a relocatable home project, you’ll likely need consents – approvals from your local council to ensure your project meets building and land-use rules. These fall under the Building Code or the Resource Management Act. Because each council’s process can differ, it can feel confusing, but understanding the basics makes the journey much smoother.
Our Design and Operations team has managed hundreds of consent applications and knows the ins and outs of working with different councils. We understand the documentation required, the common pitfalls and how to keep the process moving. While you can manage consents yourself, many homeowners choose to work with specialists like The Relocatable Home Co. For a modest fee, we prepare and submit your documents, liaise directly with council and reduce the risk of delays – saving you time, stress and hassle. Read on to learn more about the consent process.
The Two Main Types of Consents
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Building Consent
Required for most building work, they ensure your project meets the New Zealand Building Code. -
Resource Consent
Managed under the Resource Management Act, these apply to changes in land use as defined by your local council’s district plan.
👉 Tip: Always check with your local council to confirm what consents apply to your project. Each council has its own rules and timelines.
What You’ll Need to Submit
Every consent application needs supporting documents. For relocatable homes, this may include:
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Working drawings and specifications
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Foundation and engineering designs
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Site surveys or geo-technical reports
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Septic or stormwater design (if required)
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Reports on the relocated building (e.g. second-hand building report, asbestos management plan)
Providing all the required documents up front will help avoid delays.
How Long Does It Take?
The consent process isn’t instant, so it pays to plan ahead as it could take up to 14 weeks in total:
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Preparation (up to 12 weeks): Gathering reports and designs (such as geo-technical assessments or structural engineering) can take several weeks, and these must be ready before you submit.
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Council Review (minimum 20 working days): Councils usually take around 4 weeks to process, but the clock pauses if they issue a Request for Further Information (RFI).
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Approval Buffer (allow 6 weeks): To be safe, factor in a total of around 6 weeks for full approval, including any admin time for final council sign-off.
Why Do Relocatable Homes Need Consents?
Councils are responsible for making sure all building and construction work in their area is safe and compliant. Every consent application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific details of the project.
When it comes to relocatable or pre-loved homes, councils must consider that the house is being moved into a completely new environment. This means they will assess not only the suitability of the new site but also the condition and integrity of the house itself. In many cases, this can involve reviewing:
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The foundation supports required for the new site
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Re-erection of the roof or other structural joins
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Cladding or exterior upgrades or changes
Because every home and site is unique, it’s important to check with your local council to understand exactly what will be required for your project.
Consents Don’t Have to Be Complicated – Here’s How TRHCo. Can Help
✔ Proven experience – hundreds of successful applications managed
✔ Accurate paperwork – all documents prepared and submitted correctly
✔ Direct council liaison – we handle queries and communication for you
✔ Fewer delays – reduce the risk of rejections or stalled approvals
✔ Less stress – save time and focus on your project, not red tape
✔ Affordable support – a small fee for peace of mind and a smoother process
The Bottom Line
The consent process may feel daunting at first, but with the right preparation and support it’s very manageable. Whether you’re moving a pre-loved home onto a new site or renovating after relocation, getting your consents right the first time helps set your project up for success.