Changes to Council fees: Resource Management Act, Food Act and Building Act

Nelson City Council would like to know what you think of the proposed amendments to fees and charges for Resource Management Act, Food Act and Building Act activities for the next financial year.

Council has reviewed its charges and is proposing to increase user fees and charges in several areas in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will mean a 4.9% increase for these activities to ensure those benefitting from the services pay a reasonable portion of the costs rather than the general ratepayer.

What is changing?

Council proposes to increase regulatory fees and charges in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 4.9% for most activities under the Resource Management Act, Food Act and Building Act.

New changes, or changes that are greater than CPI are:

• Fix the fee for the solid fuel burners at $450, or $625 if an extra cavity inspection is required (the existing deposits are $430 and $595, with additional charges invoiced at the hourly rate). Applicants pay a higher percentage of the total cost at application, reducing the cost paid upon completion;
• Introduce a deposit of $250 for historic building consents (consents where more than five years have elapsed since granting and no Code Compliance Certificate has been issued);
• Raise the deposit for amendments to Building Consents from $125 to $450 to better reflect the actual final cost, minimising larger invoices at the time of issuing the amendment.

The draft changes are proposed to come into effect on 1 July 2022.

We want to know what you think of the proposed changes and invite you to make submissions until Saturday 14 May 2022.

Council will take account of all submissions made before deciding on this proposal.

Have your say before 5pm, Saturday 14 May at shape.nelson.govt.nz/change-regulatory-fees-and-charges-2022-23, where you can also find more information.