1. For the purposes of administering the Plan, activities are classified into six groups. These are:
   1. Permitted
   2. Controlled
   3. Restricted Discretionary
   4. Discretionary
   5. Non Complying
   6. Prohibited

(Refer to Section 4 for definitions).

1. A permitted activity does not require resource consent provided the activity complies in all respects with the relevant rules of the District Plan.
2. The RMA provides for resource consents to be obtained for activities, other than permitted activities, in accordance with rules and criteria specified in the District Plan. These activities are controlled, restricted discretionary and discretionary activities. The RMA also empowers the Council to require that resource consent be obtained for an activity which either contravenes a rule in a plan or is specified as a non-complying activity. No application may be made for, nor may the Council grant resource consent for a prohibited activity. The RMA provides for the amendment of a prohibited activity status through the plan change process (either Council or privately initiated).
3. The Council is empowered to grant two types of resource consents, namely:
   1. a land use consent, and
   2. a subdivision consent.
4. Other resource consents such as water permits, discharge permits or coastal permits are issued by the Waikato Regional Council. Where more than one resource consent is required for an activity, this must be stated in the application.