Finding your property boundaries, obtaining an aerial photograph of a property and the process for searching a title.
On the Top of the South Maps website you can type in your addess and view indicative property boundaries and other property and zoning information.
You can also capture and print this information.
Customer Service staff can provide you with an aerial photograph showing boundary locations for you. The information, on any map provided, is prepared for indicative use only and is not intended for definitive legal, location or formal reference purposes as the boundaries shown will not be as accurate as a survey. You need to provide:
The aerial photograph can either be emailed or collected from a Council office.
For more information contact us.
When purchasing your property you probably obtained a plan taken from the title showing the boundaries of your land. When the land was first subdivided the boundaries would have been fixed by a survey. Once boundaries are fixed, they cannot be altered without approval from the Council by way of a 'subdivision consent'. If the pegs are no longer visible, or in the event of a dispute, a surveyor can always establish where the boundary line runs and replace survey pegs which have been lost or removed.
A Certificate of Title can be obtained from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
LINZ looks after records for the Crown, including property titles, survey plans. You can access copies of these and other records through their website.
If you own any type of structure, whether it is above ground (eg a garage) or below ground (eg pipes), and it sits over the boundary of a Council owned road, you are required to have an agreement with the Council. This applies regardless of whether the road is a formed road or an unformed road (sometimes known as a ‘paper road’).
Information sheet about an agreement to occupy (pdf 231 KB)
You have different options to make your application:
There are rules regarding the distances that buildings can be setback from boundaries. The tables are to provide information on setbacks in various planning zones.
Find out which planning zone applies to your property.
A 30-minute appointment can be made, at no cost, to speak with a Duty Planner to discuss your project. Duty Planners are available at our Main Office in Richmond, Motueka and Tākaka.
To book an appointment or for more information on building near boundaries please contact us.
The following tables show the build setback specifications for each zone.
| Setback standard | Distance |
|---|---|
| Buildings from public reserves | 5.0m |
| Buildings from boundary of adjoining residential zone | 5.0m |
| Setback standard | Distance |
|---|---|
| Buildings from road reserve boundaries | 3.0m |
| Buildings from indicative reserves | 5.0m |
| Buildings from rural 1 zone | 20m |
| Buildings from open space | 10m |
| Buildings from rivers less than 5m wide | 8.0m |
| Buildings from river beds more than 5 m wide | 20m |
| Buildings from boundaries of public reserves | 10m |
| Buildings from boundaries adjoining residential zone | 10m |
| Buildings from rivers less than 5m wide | 8.0m |
| Buildings from river beds more than 5m wide | 20m |
| Setback standard | Distance |
|---|---|
| Buildings from road reserves | 10m |
| Buildings from open space zone | 10m |
| Buildings from recreation zone | 10m |
| Buildings from rural 1 zone | 10m |
| Buildings from public reserves | 5.0m |
| Buildings from rivers less than | 8.0m |
| Setback standard | Distance |
|---|---|
| Dwelling from Road Reserve boundary | 4.5m |
|
Dwelling from one of the internal boundaries |
1.5m |
|
Dwelling from the rest of internal boundaries |
3.0m |
|
Dwellings from the rural zone |
25m |
|
Buildings from river beds 1.5m wide |
1.5m |
|
Buildings from river beds 1.5 - 5m wide |
8.0m |
|
Buildings from river beds 5 – 20m wide |
20m |
|
Accessory buildings longer than 7.2m / with window 1.5m |
1.5m |
| Garage with door facing the road | 5.5m |
| Setback standard | Distance |
|---|---|
| Buildings from Road Reserve boundary | 10m |
| Buildings from Lakes, open space, recreation and conservation Zones | 20m |
| Buildings from river beds less than 5 m wide | 8.0m |
| Buildings from river beds more than 5 m wide | 20m |
| Buildings from a plantation forest | 30m |
| from boundary common to horticultural plantings | 30m |
| from horticultural plantings with a shelterbelt | 20m |
| from horticultural plantings that are vineyards | 30m |
| Setback standard | Distance |
|---|---|
| Buildings from Road Reserve boundary | 10m |
| Buildings from Lakes, open space, recreation and conservation Zones | 20m |
| Buildings from river beds less than 5 m wide | 8.0m |
| Buildings from river beds more than 5 m wide | 20m |
| Buildings from a plantation forest | 30m |
Every property requires an approved driveway (vehicle access crossing point) on to a legal road.
The location and standard of construction of a driveway will be specified by the road controlling authority (Tasman District Council) with an approved permit.
Driveway access can only be constructed by a Tasman District Council approved contractor.
For more information about driveways (vehicle access crossings), please contact the Community Infrastructure Department on 03 543 8400.
Here's our most commonly requested information about fencing.
Whether you live in rural or urban areas, disputes over boundary fences are a common fallout between neighbours. However your legal rights are clear cut and covered by the Fencing Act 1978.
The basic rule is that occupiers of adjoining land which is not divided by an adequate fence must contribute equally to work on the fence. For some owners, a suitable solution may be that one owner provides the labour while the other supplies the materials.
Problems arise when one owner won't agree to contribute toward the costs of the fence, or where owners are unable to agree on the type of construction the fence should be.
There are also potential hassles when one owner's desire to build a high or specially designed fence (like those for swimming pools), goes beyond the justification for a full half share of the fence by the other party.
Another conflict can arise if the fence is not built exactly on the boundary line. It may have to be removed and rebuilt. If the boundary pegs cannot be found, it will be necessary to employ a surveyor who will locate the pegs or re-peg the boundary for you.
To avoid getting into a legal battle - try and reach a compromise. If you reach agreement, put the details in writing and ensure both parties have a copy.
In the agreement specify:
If these details are covered in a written agreement and your neighbour attempts to back out, you should be able to enforce the agreement in court.
If the parties are unable to reach agreement over the fence do not start any work.
There is a procedure to follow and this is outlined in the Fencing Act.
The Tasman Resource Management Plan allows a maximum height of 1.8m, any higher and resource consent is required.
Under the Building Act 2004, Schedule 1: Fencing is listed as Exempt Building Work which allows fences 2.5m high to be built before building consent is required. Property owners building a fence must comply with both requirements.
Where a landowner’s property fronts on to Council property (for example a walkway, park or reserve) they can apply to the Council for a “fencing application”.
The Council will contribute 50 percent up to a maximum sum per metre including GST to cover the cost of the fence. The maximum unit rate basically covers a 1.8-metre high wooden paling fence of the standard expected in an urban area.
Note: Where the landowner wishes to install a decorative fence costing more than that of a standard fence then the additional cost will be at their expense.
Enquiries regarding fencing between private property and Council property should be directed to the Community Infrastructure team on 03 543 8400.
If your property fronts on to a footpath or road, you need to ensure that any vegetation on your land doesn’t obscure clear sightlines. This keeps visibility high and makes roads and footpaths safer for pedestrians and traffic.
As a property owner, you are responsible for clearing any overhanging vegetation from your road frontage.
Along footpaths, all vegetation should be trimmed so it’s in line with a wall, fence, or the back of the path, and should also be cleared 2.5 metres over the footpath. Along roads, vegetation should be cut back to 0.5 metres from the edge of the roadway and 4.5 metres above the roadway.
The Council allows the grazing of livestock on road margins in rural areas to assist adjoining owners to control road margin vegetation.
In the case of Type 1 Unformed Roads these are often incorporated into an existing property.
If you have any queries regarding grazing the road margin, contact the Community Infrastructure team on 03 543 8400.
Here are the basic rules for keeping chickens and other animals on properties in residential areas.
Rules for animals in Residential zones are part of the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP). Section 17.1 of the Plan sets out the Residential Zone rules, which state:
(h) No more than two dogs are kept.
(i) No more than six domestic fowls are kept.
(j) Fowls are kept only in an enclosure set back at least 2 metres from boundaries and 10 metres from dwellings on adjoining sites.
(k) No rooster, pig, or goat is kept.
(l) No more than two beehives are kept.
Full zone rules are listed in Chapter 17 of the Tasman Resource Management Plan. Note that rural areas may have different rules.
We respond to noise complaints and take action when it is excessive or unreasonable. Everybody should expect some degree of noise in their neighbourhood from time to time. We do not regulate everyday activities such as:
These sorts of noise might be a nuisance to you temporarily, but as long as the hours of operation are reasonable, we may not respond to such complaints.
If you have a noisy neighbour, try talking to them first. If you can’t resolve the problem, phone us on 03 543 8400.
We are available 24 hours a day and an officer will respond to excessive noise (such as music) at the time of the complaint.
Long grass or unmaintained sections can pose fire and safety risks.
If your concern is a fire risk, you should let Fire and Emergency New Zealand know.
Please note that Fire and Emergency NZ is only able to take action to deal with genuine fire hazards, and not where the property is unsightly or presents a health hazard.
If there's a property in your neighbourhood that you believe is a health or safety hazard due to an unmaintained section, hoarding or vermin, try talking to the property owner.
If this does not resolve the problem, you can contact us to report concerns.
Rules in the Tasman Resource Management Plan safeguard our significant trees from damage or unnecessary removal.
Before pruning or carrying out development within the root zone of a protected tree you need to contact us. We can provide advice and grant approval if appropriate.
For tree removal or major pruning works you may have to apply for resource consent. In some circumstances, we may waive the consent fees.
While most owners value their listed trees, we do receive complaints about poor management of trees from time to time. If you breach rules you could receive an infringement fine, or for serious breaches, be taken to the Environmental Court.
A simple but effective way of caring for your tree is to look after its roots. A tree with healthy roots is more resistant to pests and diseases.
You can improve conditions for roots by applying a layer of good quality organic mulch on the ground within the 'drip line' of the tree. This will also reduce the effects of climatic stress on the tree.
Damage to protected trees is relatively simple to prevent but once done is extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to rectify.
A lot of damage to trees can occur during property development works. We strongly recommend discussing your site development plans with a professional arborist and Council staff before any work begins.
You can source RAPID number plates online or through their local hardware shop.
Read more about the RAPID numbering system.
This section explains how roadside spraying and vegetation control is managed in Tasman region. We also give you details on how to be added to the 'No Spray' list.
Tasman District Council roading maintenance contractor is responsible for vegetation control within the road reserve.
This involves the use of non-residual chemical herbicides to knock down vegetation growing in the roadway and around street furniture. This includes the spraying of herbicides containing the following active ingredients: Glyphosate, Metsulfuron, Terbuthylazine and Triclopyr.
The contractor is also responsible for control of pest plants and other noxious weeds such as gorse, fennel, hemlock, blackberry, broom, bracken, purple pampas grass and box thorn.
Residents can request that their rural property frontage not be chemically sprayed and instead undertake the vegetation control themselves. On approval Council will mark the no spray area with red marker pegs.
You can complete this online application form to have your property included on the no spray database.
If you prefer, you can download a copy of the form below. The completed form should be sent to:
Attention: Technical Officer - Transportation
Tasman District Council, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050.
You can also email the completed form here.
Rural residents who choose the no spray; option must control the vegetation growth along their property frontage to ensure road users are not impeded and all roadside signs and markers are clearly visible. Vegetation height should not exceed 300mm.
Any stormwater drainage ditches need to be kept clear of excess vegetation. At intersections vegetation must be kept well clear to ensure good sight lines for traffic using the intersection.
Contractors employed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency undertake an ongoing vegetation control programme to ensure that roadside vegetation does not affect the safety or operation of the regions state highway network.
This programme includes the spraying of chemical herbicides including the following active ingredients: Glyphosate, Metsulfuron, Terbuthylazine and Triclopyr.
Persons wishing to register their property as a no-spray zone, which requires a commitment to maintain a property and highways frontage to specifications provided by Waka Kotahi, may do so by contacting:
Nicole White on 03 548 1100 or at WSP, Private Bag 36, Nelson.
If you wish to talk to someone at the Council about the no spray list, please contact the Community Infrastructure team on 03 543 8400.
We get lots of calls each year regarding overhanging trees and vegetation on footpaths and public space.
Property owners are responsible for the upkeep of their own property. However trees and vegetation can be a common area of disagreement and dispute between neighbours.
We suggest that you talk openly to your neighbours and/or other parties involved: it is often the best way to resolve issues relating to property and boundary vegetation and give them time to think about your suggestions. They may be happy to help with any work needed to solve the problem if it will save them money.
The Property Law Act covers your rights and obligations regarding trees on private property.
The Council is responsible for maintaining the trees and vegetation in the districts parks and reserves, on Council-owned land and in public places, including Tasman roads and roadside vegetation.
In other cases, where the plants are on private land, we contact the property owner to ask them to trim the offending vegetation or trees within 30 days.
Contact Customer Services to advise Council on any issue regarding trees and vegetation.
The Tasman District has a valuable heritage and amenity tree collection. Increased development in our region is placing many of these special trees at risk. The tree protection policy of the Tasman Resource Management Plan is aimed at safeguarding our significant trees from damage or unnecessary removal. See the section on this page entitled "Protected trees" for more information.
For neighbour disputes and legal advice contact your Legal Advisor or for more information use the following links.
Any person or utility operator wishing to remove any trees in the road reserve irrespective of whether the trees have occurred naturally, planted by others or planted for street beautification purposes, shall require written permission, unless the Council agrees to remove the trees at its own cost for safety or genuine nuisance reasons.
The cost of removal, should permission be granted, shall generally be at the applicant's expense.
Where the need to remove the trees is associated with some form of development which will require consent then approval will be subject to all such consents being issued first.
Trees in Road Reserve - Policy (pdf 103 KB)
If you need more information about trees in the road reserve, contact the Community Infrastructure team on 03 543 8400.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand supports Volunteer Rural Fire forces in the Tasman District. These forces respond to local emergencies and issue permits to burn fires in the open.
These forces are located at Appleby, Brightwater, Lake Rotoiti, Ngatimoti, Upper Tākaka, Wainui Bay and Motueka.
Permits to burn in the open are required in rural areas throughout the year within the Tasman District. Fire restrictions are in force all year. Permits are generally needed for all outdoor fires except enclosed incinerators and barbecues.
Apply on the Fire and Emergency website
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