Subdivision Consent

If you want to subdivide a property in this district, you'll need to get a subdivision consent. This type of consent allows you to divide your land or change the position of boundaries.

What is a subdivision?

Subdivision involves changing the legal boundaries of land. Normally it involves creating new lots and new certificates of titles that can be sold and developed. In some cases, existing boundaries may also be changed without the creation of any new titles, commonly called boundary adjustments.

Can I subdivide my property?

The first step you'll need to do is check what resource area your property is in. Each resource area has its own set of rules. In our Publications section you can view the District Plan Maps that will show the resource area of the land in the Central Otago district.

If you are unsure whether your property is suitable for subdivision, our duty planner is available to assist you with a 15-minute consultation to discuss your proposal and check if there are any special issues you need to address. Book a meeting in person, over the phone or via Microsoft Teams (link at bottom of page).

The next step is to contact a registered surveyor. A surveyor will help you prepare the subdivision application. All applications must include the Assessment of Effects on the Environment (AEE) and the plan of subdivision. The plan of subdivision shows the design of the proposed subdivision including the size of the lots, positions of access, service connections, existing buildings and any other relevant features. Your surveyor acts as your agent will provide you with professional advice to and guide you through the subdivision process.

What is the subdivision process?

1. Obtain Resource Consent for subdivision
   The conditions of subdivision are set out in the decision.
2. Council Engineering Acceptance (EA application)
   Submit a plan and obtain an acceptance letter from council Engineers before starting physical works on site.
3. Survey Plan (Section 223 Certificate)
   You will need to engage a licenced surveyor to survey the land to determine boundaries and easements to obtain council approval for the survey plan.
4. Infrastructure and physical works (Section 224c Certification)
   Once all necessary infrastructure work (roading, water services, accessways etc) is complete, thereby meeting the conditions of the resource consent, you will obtain Section 224c Certification from council.
5. Title registration
   Once 224c has been issued by council, you can submit the certificate and the survey plan to LINZ for approval. The existing Title is cancelled, and the new Records of Title are issued for the new parcels of land. Records of Title must be issued within three years from the date of the Section 223 approval.