Travellers' and Visitor Accommodation

Travellers' accommodation (defined as using land or buildings for accommodating travellers or visitors, subject to a fee being paid) has the potential to affect the amenity values of the adjoining properties. Effects include (but are not limited to) an increase in traffic, noise and a loss of security and companionship associated with knowing your neighbours.

Do I need a Resource Consent if I have guests in my own home or live on the property permanently in another home?

If you want to operate a visitor accommodation activity in a residential zone and you permanently live on site, no resource consent is required if you have six or less fee-paying guests per night.

If you want to operate a Homestay or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) in a Rural Resource Area or Rural Settlements Resource Area and you permanently live in the house, no resource consent is required if you have six or less fee-paying guests per night.

What if I don't live at the property permanently?

If you want to accommodate fee paying guests in the residential zone, but you don't live on site permanently, you will need a resource consent, regardless of the number of people accommodated on the site.

If you want to accommodate fee paying guests in a Rural Resource Area or Rural Settlements Resource Area, but you don't live in the same house permanently, you will need a resource consent, regardless of the number of people accommodated.

What information do I need for a Resource Consent application?

When you apply for a Resource Consent, you will need to provide:

• A site plan that shows all buildings, structures, significant natural features and the access.
• A current copy of your Record of Title.
• An Assessment of Effects on the Environment (AEE) addressing the specific detail of your proposed activity, the effects of the proposal, how any adverse effects will be managed and how the proposal is consistent with any relevant objectives and policies in the District Plan.

Your application will also need to include:

• The number of guests you will accommodate and where they will be accommodated.
• The number of on-site car parks available at your property for guests.
• Details of any signs you want to erect, including wording, the dimensions and any images need to be included.
• How bookings will be managed.
• The written approval of neighbouring property owners. Often written approvals are required from more than just immediate neighbours. Council planning staff will be able to advise what approvals are required.
• If the property isn't connected to town water or sewerage systems, detail of the adequacy of the on-site waste disposal system may be required.

There may be other requirements depending on where the property is and could include needing to liaise with groups such as the Department of Conservation, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Ngai Tahu or New Zealand Transport Agency.

Development Contributions

Any development that creates additional demands will attract a development contribution and this includes travellers' accommodation. More information about what development will attract a development contribution can be found in our Development and Financial Contributions Policy.

Building Consent Requirements

Depending on the type of facility there may be Building Act requirements. Please contact the Building team if you have any queries via General Enquiry - Building.

Environmental Health/Alcohol Licensing

If you're planning to serve meals and/or drinks to your guests, then you may need to have an environmental health or alcohol licence in place. Please check with our Environmental Health Officer to discuss whether licenses will be required.

Tourism Central Otago and Central Otago Visitor Centres

Once you've got all your consents in place, you might like to consider becoming a member of Tourism Central Otago and look to promote your business in our district's isite visitor information centres.