You Are Here : Home / Services/ Planning / Advice before you start

Advice before you start

Find information on how to check your property zone and what you can do on your property.

Answers to commonly asked questions about subdivisions, building second dwellings, boundary setbacks, car parks, retaining walls and consulting your neighbours.

What zone is my property in and what rules apply?

Guidance on using our GIS maps to find your property zone and the rules that apply to your property.

Can my property be subdivided?

Find out the minimum lot size for subdivision in your property zone.

How close can I build to my boundary?

Find out the setback and height in relation to boundary rules for your property zone.

Can I put another house on my property?

Find out if you can build another residential unit or minor residential unit in your property zone without a resource consent.

Do I need to provide car parking?

Learn about recent changes to the rules requiring car parking as part of a development.

Does a retaining wall need a resource consent?

Find guidance about when a retaining wall needs a resource consent.

Can I remove or trim my trees?

Find out how to check if a tree or stand of trees is protected, and learn about restrictions around the removal of indigenous vegetation.

Do I need to consult my neighbour?

Guidance about consulting your neighbour prior to making an application for resource consent.

Connect to council infrastructure

Find out how to connect to Council wastewater, water and stormwater infrastructure including connecting through or over reserve land.

How we can help

Find out about our free planning assistance service and pre-application meetings.