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.
Draft Code of Practice for Land Development 2025
Council is preparing to notify a plan change relating to a range of matters, including updating our documents incorporated by reference. This includes an update to the Code of Practice for Land Development.
The Code of Practice for Land Development underwent a comprehensive update process in 2022. This update has continued into the Draft Code of Practice for Land Development 2025.
The Draft Code of Practice for Land Development 2025 covers:
- Updated Central Government requirements
- New Wellington City Council plans, policies and bylaws
- Updates in response to relevant New Zealand standards.
- Removing overlap with new 2024 District Plan standards
- Updating references in the 2024 District Plan.
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
Draft Code of Practice for Land Development 2025.
For copies of the Public Notice, visit this webpage.
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.