Development Contributions
Development contributions are a fee payable on developments or subdivisions that generate additional demand on infrastructure and services.
This development may include new greenfields subdivision, infill development, townhouses, and any project that creates additional commercial or industrial sites or buildings.
Contributions may also be required for conversions or extensions to existing buildings where they create new or additional uses. This could include converting one residence into two, or converting a residential building into a commercial office. Any contribution payable is calculated under the Development Contributions Policy.
Read the policy
The Development Contributions Policy affects most people and companies developing new residential, commercial or industrial sites or buildings.
The 2016/17 Development Contributions Policy from can be viewed/downloaded from the related documents below.
What do development contributions fund?
Development contributions fund upgraded or new infrastructure which is a result of growth identified in the councils Long Term Plan 2015-2025 (link to the document is referenced in the related links below).
View the Long Term Plan 2015-2025 from the related documents below.
The activities funded include roads, water supplies, waste water, stormwater disposal, playgrounds, toilets, parks and reserves.
Development contributions are made up of a district wide component, ie. a set fee across the district and specific area contributions. These may vary according to the location of the development.
Development contributions do not fund operational expenditure or parts of capital works which deal with infrastructure renewal, infrastructure upgrades and where the required level of service to the existing community is not being fulfilled.
When development contributions not required
Development contributions may not be required (or may be reduced) when:
- Council has already imposed a financial contribution condition on a resource consent for the same development; or
- Financial contributions have already been paid in respect of a development; or
- The developer will be providing network infrastructure upgrades or reserves in agreement with Council; or
- Credits exist in respect to an existing development on the site to be discontinued
Assessing a development contribution
Your project can be assessed at any of three stages:
- When a resource consent (subdivision or land use) is granted under the Resource Management Act 1991;
- When a building consent is granted under the Building Act 2004; or
- When an authorisation for a service connection is granted
Paying a development contribution
An invoice can be requested and paid at any time. Payment must be made prior to:
- Issuing a section 224 (c) certificate is issued for a subdivision consent;
- Issuing a code of compliance certificate (CCC) is issued for a building consent;
- An approved land use consent can be acted upon; or
- A service connection is provided
Reviewing development contributions
Request in writing that Council review our assessment of the development contributions for your project by contacting the Financial Policy Advisor.
Please include new or supporting information that your request is based upon.
Costs of development contributions
Please contact the Financial Policy Advisor to see whether a development contribution would be required on your proposal and the level of contribution.
More information
Read our frequently asked questions based on non-residential and residential dwellings from the related documents below:
- Non-residential FAQ’s
- Residential FAQ’s
Contact
For more information please contact the Financial Policy Advisor at the council.
