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Code of practice for land development

The Council's Code of Practice for Land Development is the standard for development and subdivision in Wellington City.

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.

2012 Code of Practice

The latest code contains revisions to the 1994 Code of Practice, including updated references to legislative documents and standards.

Amendments cover:

  • 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.

Draft Code of Practice for Land Development

The draft Code of Practice 2022 will be reviewed and form part of the Omnibus Plan Change. Further details regarding full content for inclusion in an Omnibus Plan Change will be able to be reported on in mid-late 2025, following Council decisions on the remaining Schedule 1 Part 1 content of the Proposed District Plan.

Draft Code of Practice for Land Development (13.8MB PDF)