This code defines the minimum standards in the design and construction of infrastructure, including earthworks, roading, water and drainage.
The code is for both developers and Council officers. All infrastructure must meet applicable standards before the Council allows connection to existing networks and takes ownership and responsibility for their ongoing maintenance and renewal.
Code of Practice for Land Development 2025
Council is preparing to notify a plan change relating to a range of matters, and we are updating our Code of Practice for Land Development alongside Plan Change 1. In addition to the Code of Practice for Land Development update, Plan Change 1 seeks to update references to the Code in the 2024 District Plan by specifying the references in the Earthworks chapter are narrowed to the Earthworks section of the Code, and that the references in the Subdivision chapter are replaced with the relevant water servicing documents.
Further information on making a submission will be available when the plan change is notified later in 2025.
If you require further information on the 2025 Draft Code of Practice for Land Development, please contact the District Planning Team:
Mobile: 021 198 7136
Email: district.plan@wcc.govt.nz
Code of Practice for Land Development 2025.
For copies of the Public Notice, visit this webpage.
2012 Code of Practice
The 2012 code contained revisions to the 1994 Code of Practice, including updated references to legislative documents and standards.
Amendments covered:
- allowing the use of environmentally sustainable stormwater design, where the outcome will be a better-quality living environment and the basic performance of the infrastructure is not reduced
- strengthened sediment and erosion control
- a new chapter on Open Spaces
- placing rural work requirements in relevant sections
- changes to the 'as-built' requirements, which are now clearly explained in relevant sections
- adjustments and extensions to the Code's design procedures - wastewater and stormwater design, in particular.
2012 Code of Practice for Land Development (2.10MB PDF)
Regional Standard for Water Services - Wellington Water
Environmental sustainability
This code promotes sustainable management of natural and physical resources and provides engineering standards and best environmental practice for the design and construction of infrastructure.
The 2012 Code operates across all four goals of the Wellington Towards 2040 strategy. It supports the Council’s strategic priorities for a well-managed city that provides effective services that are value for money, and which maintain and enhance resilience to achieve a city that is a great place to live.