Land information memorandum (LIM)

LIMs contain several main sections:

Property Information – including an aerial map of the property, and other property information including any rates owing.

Natural Hazards – From July 2025, all LIMs will also include a section dedicated to Natural Hazards information. This change, made under the Local Government Official Information Management Act (LGOIMA), aims to ensure people receive clear, concise information that is consistent throughout the country. This section will contain Council’s District Plan information regarding natural hazards, District Plan hazard maps, and any known building information in relation to our obligations under legislation including LGOIMA and planning and building frameworks. Please note, Environment Southland’s information relating to this section will be provided later in the year, once this is available. In the interim, we will advise you on where you can find this information from Environment Southland.

Special Features and Characteristics – district plan information, resource consents and planning matters, zoning, information about the land, heritage information, significant features, SLUS or HAIL contamination if known, transport and site information. Planning information maps for the property are provided including district plan zoning of the property, liquefaction, and amplification maps. By 1/7/2025 a natural hazard section will be set out as part of the LIM document.

Works and Services – the Council services that are available to the property and vehicle crossing information. An aerial map is provided showing services.

Building – building consents and permits and their statuses,notices, orders, or requisitions. For all properties we include drainage and sewerage plans or any drain in common plans on file, any notified Schedule 1 exempt building work on file, any schedule 1 (exemption 2 building works) that have applied for an exemption with Council. Building Compliance schedule and Building Warrant of Fitness details where applicable, building matter actions required, swimming pool and spa pool barrier licensing information, and any other information Council considers relevant.

• Schedule 1 – in the context of New Zealand's Building Act 2004, refers to specific types of building work that does not require a building consent. Even though building consent isn't required, exempt work must still meet the relevant requirements of the Building Code. This means you need to ensure your work is done to a certain standard and doesn't pose any safety risks. To ensure the information about your property is kept up to date, it is recommended that you notify the council of any exempt work and provide them with relevant documentation. Councils will hold this information against the property file with no review undertaken by the council to confirm the owners decision on whether the building work is exempt.
• Schedule 1-2 Discretionary Exemption – territorial authorities (city or district councils) or regional authorities (regional councils) use their discretion to exempt any proposed building work if it complies with the Building Code and is unlikely to endanger people or buildings. This provides an alternative path for building work that might otherwise require a full building consent application. Councils will consider each application on its own merits, taking into account the specific details of the proposed work, the risks involved, and the potential for compliance with the Building Code.

Environment – environmental health and licensing, any other notices, issues or actions required, and alcohol licensing information.

Other information – including airshed, refuse and recycling, explanatory notes and disclaimers.

We can only provide information available in Council records. LIMs will not contain:

• Information about building work carried out without a permit or consent, even if a consent is required (unless known to Council and file notice or action documented).
• Information about building work not requiring a permit or consent (unless lodged as a record with Council under Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the Building Act 2004).
• Record of title is not included. These can be obtained by visiting Land Information New Zealand online.
• Electrical or other non-Council services information (these are not Council services).

Please note: if you require access to all documents and plans held on file, we recommend you request the property file (for more information refer to the Property files page).

All LIMs are produced within 10 working days. Currently no fast-track service is available.

You can order a LIM online.

Before submitting your request, ensure you have the correct address as we do not provide refunds for incorrectly lodged requests. You can confirm you have the correct address by referring to Invercargill Maps.

Online

1. Visit the ICC Online services portal. Please note: If you require an invoice you must be a registered user and signed into your account.
2. Select Applications > New Application
3. Under Land Information Memorandum (LIM) section, select your desired property type, and click Next.
4. Complete the required steps through to payment checkout.

Email

1. Download and complete the application form below:
   • Application for a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) (DOC, 212 KB)
2. Email your completed application to lims@icc.govt.nz

Please note: Requests for LIMs are non-refundable. Ensure you have selected the correct current property address before submitting your request. All lodged applications received after 12 noon will have their statutory clocks commence processing the following business day.

If you aren’t sure what the category is or the exact property address please contact the Property Records by email: propertyrecords@icc.govt.nz, or phone (03) 211 1777.

For the current charges please refer to Land Information Memorandum (LIM) Reports and Property Files on the Fees and charges page.

You can cancel a LIM at any time, however its important to note that lodged LIMs with us are non-refundable.

You can email us at lims@icc.govt.nz if you wish to cancel your LIM application.