Have your say on proposed bylaw changes

Submissions are now open for residents to give their feedback on updates to several key bylaws, including a proposal to restrict freedom camping in Akaroa.

Public consultation starts today on planned changes to the Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw 2009, the Cemeteries Bylaw 2013, the Public Places Bylaw 2008, the Brothels (Location and Commercial Sexual Services Signage) Bylaw 2013 and the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015 (for Akaroa). The last day of consultation is 3 September.

The planned amendment to the Freedom Camping Bylaw for Akaroa was requested by the community and the Banks Peninsula Community Board. It was based on the results of a recent community survey on the impact of freedom camping on the small Banks Peninsula town.

In response to serious concerns raised by residents, Christchurch City Council has proposed a ban on freedom camping within the Akaroa town, except for one area – the existing freedom camping area on Rue Brittan.

A new Cemeteries Handbook is planned.

Campers in self-contained vehicles would be able to stay for up to two nights but there will be a ‘one vehicle per marked space’ to prevent overcrowding.

There would also be some non-regulatory changes including signage, improved information online, and parking changes.

Check here to find out more and give feedback on the proposal.

Christchurch City Council is proposing a new alcohol ban bylaw to replace the Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw 2009 which will automatically expire on 18 December 2018.

The proposed new bylaw would change or extend some of the areas where alcohol is banned in order to improve community safety. Two new permanent ban areas, Linwood Village and Riccarton Racecourse, would be introduced under the proposal and there would be changes to the areas covered by the Riccarton/Ilam and Jellie Park alcohol bans.

A new clause would allow an alcohol ban to be imposed by the Chief Executive when ‘large scale events’ are held in Hagley Park and Rawhiti Domain/Thomson Park. This step is intended to streamline the current process of enacting temporary bans for major events.

Check here to find out more and give feedback on the proposal.

* The Council has carried out a review of the 2013 Cemeteries Bylaw, together with a review of the Cemeteries Handbook which contains the detail of the rules and requirements for cemeteries.

Only minor bylaw changes are proposed because the bylaw is seen to be largely working well, but the current cemeteries handbook is being replaced with a new version, the Cemeteries Handbook 2018. The new handbook is easier to read and understand and includes some new information, including the latest provisions for ‘natural and green’ burials.

Check here to give feedback and read a draft version of the new handbook.

* The Brothels (Location and Commercial Sexual Services Signage) Bylaw has been reviewed by the Council and only minor improvements are recommended to improve clarity. Have your say here.

* The Public Places Bylaw and the Trading and Events in Public Places Policy 2010 have also been reviewed and 2018 replacements are proposed. Have your say here.