If your building is on the Heritage List
If a building or area in Wellington City has been identified as having particular historic, cultural, architectural or other significant value, it may be included on the Heritage List in the District Plan.
To protect these values, there are rules around how heritage sites can be developed and subdivided.
Find out if these rules apply to your property
Check the Heritage List in the District Plan for buildings that are individually heritage-listed or in a heritage area in Wellington City.
Volume 1: Objectives, policies & rules - Chapter 21 (Heritage List: Areas, Buildings, Objects, Trees & Maori Sites) (450KB PDF)
ePlan – our District Plan online
Carrying out building work on a heritage site
If your site is on the Heritage List, you may need a resource consent to carry out the following types of works:
- Modifications, additions and alterations
- Demolition and relocation
- Construction of new buildings on the site
- Subdivision
- Earthworks
- Putting up signage
You may also need a resource consent to do work that will affect a listed tree or site of significance to Māori.
Heritage and notable trees
Engaging with mana whenua
When you don't need a resource consent
You don't need a resource consent to carry out work that fits the definition of "repair and maintenance" and meets the requirements of permitted activities outlined in the District Plan heritage chapter.
This includes:
- repair with like-for-like materials
- repair that recreates the original appearance
- interior alterations (as long as the interior of the building is not specifically listed, and the alterations are not structural strengthening or new floor levels that are visible from the outside of the building).
Applying for a resource consent
Getting a resource consent to make changes to heritage buildings can be complex – we strongly recommend you meet with us to discuss your plans before you apply. We'll give you advice about the process and help you determine which supporting documents your application will need to include.
Getting help with a building project
Resource consents
Heritage
If you need a resource consent for heritage matters
You may be eligible for a reimbursement of your resource consent fees if:
- your application requires a resource consent because of a heritage listing
- the Council supports the proposed works.
We may also consider other relevant heritage conservation matters when deciding if your application meets our criteria for a reimbursement.
Fee reimbursements for heritage items