Planning and Resources
The Planning and Resource Management Division carries out the Council's functions and responsibilities as prescribed in the Resource Management Act 1991. This includes the development and administration of the District Plan, processing resource consents, and undertaking environmental education initiatives. Other responsibilities include the management of the contract for valuation services.
Information about planning and resource management topics frequently raised by the public:
Aerial images
The Council's GIS computer system has aerial images of properties within the district. These images are not site plans but provide a view of the property and any amenities eg drainage and dwellings. The images were last updated in 2006-2007. Aerial images and customised maps are available; pricing varies depending on the work involved.
District Plan
The District Plan (located in the Public Documents section of the site) contains rules about what activities can occur on a site, dependant on its location. For example, in a residential area there are rules controlling the height of buildings in relation to boundaries, site coverage, outdoor living space and car parking.
Flood areas
The Council has hazard maps and supporting information which identify areas in the district which are subject to riverine inundation, stormwater flooding and sea level rise. For more information contact the Council or refer to the District Plan hazard maps.
LIM
It is important that you get a LIM (a report by the Council noting all the information that is available on file for a particular section of land) or view the property file to establish what information the Council has about your property. This is particularly important before purchasing or developing a property.
Otatara properties with native vegetation
There are areas within the Otatara sub-area that are identified as containing "significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna". You will need to check with the Council's Planning Division to see whether your property is identified as including one or more of these areas; if it does there are rules within the District Plan which might limit the clearance of vegetation. Refer to the Otatara/Sandy Point Bushcare booklet, which is available from the Council's offices.
Population statistics
The Statistics New Zealand website has population data for Invercargill, Bluff and Southland.
Property Boundaries
You can identify your property's boundaries in several ways. The easiest method is to look for boundary pegs. If you are unable to locate the pegs then you can employ a surveyor or obtain a Certificate of Title. You can also view an aerial image of your property online at this website; the image indicates approximately where the boundaries are.
Property files
The Council holds a file for every property within the district. The files, which contain information relating to drainage, sewage, dwellings, alterations, consents etc, may be inspected at the Council's Invercargill and Bluff offices.
Property Numbers
Street numbers and rapid numbers are allocated by the Council.
Subdivision
Subdivision requires Council's approval, usually in the form of a resource consent. It is recommended that you contact a registered surveyor if you intend to subdivide your land: the surveyor will be able to help you through the subdivision process and guide you through any subsequent landuse issues.
Wetlands
Developing wetlands on farmland etc: refer to the Wetlands of Southland booklet which is available from the Council.
NOTE: More information is available at the Environment Southland website, or its related website dealing specifically with The State of Southland's Environment.
Guides and forms related to aspects of Council planning and resource management.
Read More The maintenance and enhancement of the City's heritage receives much Council attention through non-regulatory methods.
Read MorePlanning and Resource Management staff are responsible for allocating road names, urban street numbers and RAPID numbers.
Read MoreUnder the Resource Management Act 1991, the Council has a responsibility to make sure that resources are managed sustainably - this means using them responsibly without adversely effecting the environment.
Read MoreThe time is right also to refresh the tired, worn areas of South Invercargill, according to a report prepared for the Invercargill City Council.
Read MoreInvercargill District has areas identified as being of significance because of their vegetation and unique environments.
Read More