1 What is the minimum area for a subdivision in the rural area?
There is no minimum land area as such, but if the lot cannot be connected to a reticulated sewage treatment system and requires on-site sewage disposal, the minimum lot size is 2,500m2, which links to the Regional Plan. However, the subdivision provisions in the Otorohanga District Plan contain a number of standards that should be met. These standards relate to matters such as safe vehicle access, availability of services, availability of building platforms, proximity to water ways and coastal margins, the presence of any archaeological, historic or cultural site, and more. If your proposed subdivision does not meet one or more of these standards then it will be treated as a discretionary activity.
2. I want to subdivide my property. What should I do?
You should get a copy of the Otorohanga District Plan subdivision standards and answer the questions in the subdivision checklist. These questions will tell you what activity your subdivision is (permitted, controlled, discretionary) and which issues you will be required to cover in your application. You can discuss your proposal with the District Planner. You may wish to contact a surveyor from the yellow pages who will also help you through the District Plan provisions as well as other aspects of subdividing your land.
3. How much will a subdivision cost?
If your application can be processed as a non-notified application (as most general subdivisions are) then the cost of processing the application will start with a deposit fee of $500.00. Most applications can be processed within the deposit, but sometimes an application will require further information or uncover more complex issues, and the actual fee may be higher. There will also be a reserves contribution of $350 plus GST for every new lot title you create in the subdivision.
If your application for subdivision has all the information required to process the application, and the application can be processed as a non-notified application, then your subdivision should be processed in about two weeks.
5. I want to build something - how far does it have to be from the boundary?
Rural
House or garage Front yard 7 metres unless on State Highway where it is 15 metres
Other yards 5 metres
Other buildings Front yard 7 metres unless on State Highway where it is 15 metres
Other yards 15 metres
Otorohanga, Kawhia or Aotea
All buildings Front yard 3 metres unless on State Highway or Huiputea Drive where it is 8 metres. Maniapoto St and Jervois St have no front yard requirement.
Other yards 3 metres. Maniapoto St and Jervois St have no other yard requirement.
6. I want to do something - do I need a resource consent?
You will need to speak to a planner.
7. Is your District Plan operative?
Yes. The District Plan became operative on 17 July 1999.
8. I'm looking at buying a property - are there any planning restrictions on it?
You should apply for a LIM – Land Information Memoranda. This will tell you about any planning restrictions in addition to all other information that the Council may have on the property.
9. Fences between neighbours.
Maximum height 3 metres. Fences over 2 metres high will require a building consent. These are the only controls that the Council has over boundary fences. All other issues are civil matters between the neighbours which are covered in the Fencing Act 1978.
If you require more information please contact the Customer Services Team at 873 8199 (local) or Toll free 0800 738 199 or e-mail Councils Planner