If you are planning to subdivide a property, it is advised that you familiarise yourself with the subdivision rules set out in Volume Three, Section 14 of the Christchurch City Plan. Alternatively, you can visit or phone the Council to get advice on the rules relevant to your property.
The zoning of the land determines which particular rule/s apply. These may be:
- Allotment size and dimensions.
- Property access.
- Esplanade reserves or strips along the banks of a waterway.
- Natural hazards.
- Water supply.
- Stormwater control and disposal.
- Sanitary sewer disposal.
- Electrical energy supply.
- Telecommunications service.
- Provision of land for recreation reserve/open space.
- Easements.
- Building locations.
- Preservation of vegetation/landscape.
If your property complies with all the City Plan rules, an application for resource consent can be made. Fully complying applications must be approved by Council, though there are generally conditions attached to that approval.
Even if your property cannot meet all the City Plan rules you can still make an application for resource consent. In such a case, the application does not have to be approved by the Council and each application is judged on its merits, and whether it meets the intent of the City Plan, and whether any adverse environmental effects can be adequately mitigated.
Costs
Every subdivision is different so it is not possible to give a general cost estimate. Costs can arise from:
The above list is not exhaustive. It is recommended that you seek professional advice and get an estimate of the likely costs from someone experienced in the subdivision process before you start the project.
Do I need professional assistance when seeking subdivision consent?
Whilst it is not mandatory to use the services of a professional planner or surveyor to make a subdivision application, it is strongly recommended that you do so as the application process can be complex. The obtaining of the required information (for example, contours over the site) is often beyond the resources of the property owner or applicant.
Pre-application discussion
If your subdivision creates a significant number of new lots, or has some unusual or novel aspects, it is advisable to have a pre-application meeting with Council staff before you finalise the application.
How to apply
Complete an application form.
Provide a detailed report describing how the rules of the City Plan will be met and how any adverse environmental effects that may be caused by the subdivision will be mitigated.
Provide a recent copy of the title for the land in the application. This can be requested from Land Information New Zealand.
- Provide a remittance for the appropriate application fee (cash, cheque or Eftpos).
Schedule of fees
Lodging an application
The completed application can be:
- Delivered in person to Civic Offices or any Council service centre.
- Posted to: Christchurch City Council, PO Box 237, Christchurch 8140.
- Sent by e-mail to: subdivisions@ccc.govt.nz (preferred method).
Note that the application is held in abeyance until the appropriate fee is paid.
