This page contains information about how to obtain information about a property, including Project Information Memoranda (PIM), Land Information Memoranda (LIM) and a link to our GIS information.
Updated:
2/12/2011 10:14 a.m.
What is a Project Information Memorandum (PIM)?
A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is a detailed report prepared by Council which contains information about a property that may affect a proposed building project, such as:
- need for an evacuation plan approved by the New Zealand Fire Service
- potential erosion, slippage or flooding
- the presence of any hazardous contaminants known to Council
- details of stormwater and sewerage systems.
any development contributions payable
- other relevant authorisation requirements (resource consents and bylaw approvals).
When do I need a PIM?
A PIM is used to provide information to guide the preparation of plans and specifications to support an application for building consent.
Do I have to apply for a PIM?
No, after 1st February 2010 making application for a PIM is optional. Advice about the options is as follows:
Option one : Make application for a PIM during the planning stages of your project. By making application at this stage, you will benefit by having full information about any natural hazards on your site along with advice about any planning or Development Contribution requirements that may affect your project. Knowing this in advance will enable you to plan for these and avoid any nasty surprises later in the project.
Option two: Make application for a PIM at the same time as the building consent. By using this option, you will still receive the information detailed in Option One, but you will not have the advance warning.
Option three: Do not apply for a PIM at all. If you decide to use this option you will need to have assured yourself that you have undertaken sufficient research of the site to allow the plans and specifications to respond to any natural hazards that may be present and also that you understand any District Plan implications.
A planning check of your application will be undertaken when you submit the application for Building Consent and you will be advised in writing if there are any planning matters that you need to be made aware of. You will not. however, receive copies of engineering or other reports that Council may hold.
If any matters identified at this stage require changes to your plans and specifications this may result in delays to your application.
A charge will be made for the planning check if a PIM has not been applied for.
How to apply for a PIM
An application for a PIM must be made on the application form. Please make sure that the application form is fully completed and that all supporting information is included.
Our Customer Services team will undertake a vetting check of the application to ensure it is complete and incomplete applications will not be accepted. If your application is not accepted you will be advised of the reasons why.
PIM Application Form [201.8kb]
PIM Application Guidance Notes [131.3kb]
How much will a PIM cost?
Council has a schedule of fees and charges for PIM's but actual costs will vary dependent on the size and nature of the project. To view the fee schedule, follow the link below.
Fees and Charges
How long will the application take?
Council has 20 working days in which to issue a PIM following receipt of the application where this is made separately. Where the application is made at the same time as the application for building consent, the two processing times run concurrently.
What is a Land Information Memorandum (LIM)?
A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) is a factual report summarising information that Council holds on a particular property. This will include:
approved building and resource consents
land hazards and utility information if known
current rates and rating valuation
District Plan information
heritage or archaeological items
other useful information about the property.
The LIM can only contain information on matters that Council is aware of. Section 44A of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 governs the information that must be included.
This means that if illegal or unconsented works have taken place on the property without our knowledge these cannot be included in a LIM report.
Please note: The LIM is prepared by researching Council's records. We do not undertake a site visit.
Local Government Information and Meetings Act, Section 44A. (NZ Legislation website) Opens in a new window.
Who should obtain a LIM?
Anyone who is considering buying a property is advised to obtain a LIM and check the information against the buildings and structures on the site.
How do I obtain a LIM?
You must make application for a LIM using the appropriate form. LIM application forms are available at all Council offices, on-line through this website or by requesting one to be sent to you.
How long will this take?
Council has 10 working days to issue a LIM following receipt of the completed application form and payment of the required fee.
To apply for a LIM, select from the links below.
Apply for a LIM OnlineLIM Application form [135kb] (printable version)
Certificate of Title requirement
All LIM applications require a copy of the current Certificate of Title (CT) to be supplied by the applicant, showing all the references listed on the CT e.g. covenants/easements
Council can obtain the certificate on behalf of the applicant although there will be a charge made for this service. Please request this from Customer Services when submitting your application.
Where a property is being purchased on an incomplete subdivision, Council will refer to the subdivision file for relevant information. By doing this, we will be able to establish the correct property and provide accurate and up to date information in the LIM report.
Contact us
Please contact any of our Customer Service Centres for help and assistance in applying for a PIM or a LIM report.
Council offices - locations and hours of opening
Property information mapping system
Our Geographical Information System (GIS) is a computerised mapping system which presents property and land information in an easily recognisable and efficient way by using maps.
To enter the GIS site, follow the link below.
Geographical Information System (GIS)