Surveyors Certificate’s or Building Location Certificate’s

In New Zealand, local councils or territorial authorities often require a surveyor's certificate or a building location certificate (BLC) as part of the building consent process or for verifying compliance with the Building Act and local planning regulations.  

Why do councils want this?  

These documents serve several important purposes in the context of property development, building construction, and land use planning: 

1. Verification of Compliance with Setbacks and Boundaries 

• These certificates confirm that the construction or development work on a property complies with the required legal boundaries and setback requirements from property lines, roads, and other structures. This ensures that buildings are constructed within the property they are supposed to be on, adhering to the specific zoning and planning regulations. 

2. Accuracy of Building Location 

• A surveyor's certificate or building location certificate provides an accurate record of the location of buildings and structures on a site relative to its boundaries. This is crucial for confirming that the construction matches the approved plans and is correctly positioned according to the building consent. 

3. Avoiding Future Disputes 

• By ensuring that a building is correctly located on its designated plot and complies with all relevant regulations, potential disputes with neighbouring properties over boundary encroachments and rights of way can be minimized. This pre-emptive measure helps to avoid costly and time-consuming legal disputes in the future. 

4. Ensuring Public Safety and Welfare 

• Councils have a responsibility to ensure public safety and welfare. Requiring these certificates helps to ensure that buildings do not encroach on public spaces or utilities, maintain proper distance from other structures for fire safety, and do not negatively impact the environment or community. 

5. Infrastructure and Services Planning 

• Accurate knowledge of the location of buildings and structures assists in the planning and provision of public infrastructure and services, such as roads, water, sewage, and power. It ensures that there is adequate space for these services and that they are delivered efficiently. 

6. Resource Management 

• Under the Resource Management Act, councils are tasked with managing the environment and natural resources. Requiring a surveyor's or building location certificate helps ensure that developments comply with the principles of sustainable management and environmental protection outlined in the Act. 

7. Future Development 

• These documents provide a reliable record of existing developments, which is useful for future planning and development decisions, both by the property owners and the council. They are essential for long-term urban and regional planning. 

8. Compliance with National and Local Legislation 

• Ensuring buildings and structures comply with the New Zealand Building Code, local district plans, and other relevant legislation is a legal requirement. These certificates are part of the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance. 

In summary, a surveyor's certificate or building location certificate is a critical tool for local councils in New Zealand to manage development within their jurisdiction responsibly. They help ensure that construction projects are carried out correctly, safely, and in harmony with planning regulations and community standards. 

Council Templates used by Licsened Cadastral Surveyors