Factors That Might Impact Your Subdivision Plans

Before you get too invested in the idea of subdividing your land, it’s worth checking if there are any factors that might impact your ability to subdivide. Your best bet is to speak with a land surveyor who can help you understand if anything might stand in your way and what you can do about it. But in the meantime, here are some things to look into.

Type of subdivision

There are different types of subdivisions, from residential development to rural subdivisions, cross leases to boundary adjustments. Different types carry different costs, risks and benefits, so it’s important to begin by knowing which type of subdivision you plan to undertake.

Multiple party land ownership

Do you share ownership of the land you wish to subdivide? If you’ve gone in halves with a mate or perhaps inherited intergenerational land alongside your siblings, you’ll need to make sure every landowner gives their consent to the subdivision plans.

Site size

There are rules around the minimum size a new site can be, so your land must be large enough to be subdivided into sections that meet these requirements. A land surveyor can help you determine what the minimum size is where you live.

Zoning

There are different zoning rules around land development and subdivisions depending on where you live in NZ. There may be regulations to protect the local environment, heritage, culture or people. Your local council is a great place to start if you want to learn about subdivision rules in Wellington or the Kapiti Coast, Levin or Porirua.

Potential hazards

There might be features of your land that make a subdivision difficult, or even impossible. These can include the slope of the land, erosion, overland flow paths and vulnerability to flooding, storm surge and other tidal effects. It may require you talking to a drainage specialist about any possible issues.

Natural features

There are also natural features that can affect your ability to subdivide land, such as watercourses or wetlands, bush areas or protected trees.

Vehicle access

A newly developed plot of land needs to be accessible to vehicles. There are regulations around the widths and gradients of driveways and crossings, as well as rules around parking standards for any given site.

Need some help looking out for factors that can affect your subdivision dreams? The specialists at Tararua Land Surveyors can help.