Latest from Our Team
Water Services As Built Requirements
A new Water Services As-Built Specification, AB1b – Plant and Facilities , has been added to the Development Code. This specification applies to as-built information for water services plant and facilities, such as pump stations or stormwater ponds.
The existing Water Services As Built Specification for the reticulated network assets (i.e. pipework) remains current and valid but has been renamed AB1a – Reticulation.
Applicants should use the specification(s) relevant to their project when preparing and submitting water services as-built information. Both specifications are available in the Development Code.
Cul-de-sac Design and Kerbside Collection
Council advises of our preference for new public cul-de-sacs and similar turning areas to be designed to accommodate a 10.5m, 21-tonne rigid waste collection truck. The increased turning area is to ensure trucks can safety manoeuvre without posing an additional safety risk to members of the public.
Proposed cul-de-sac designs should demonstrate that the 10.5m truck can enter, turn and exit in a forward direction without reversing to complete the manoeuvre. A minimum turning diameter of 22.4 m is usually required. Swept path assessments must account for the vehicle’s full operating envelope, and the berm and turning area must remain clear of obstructions.
Designers must also ensure that sufficient area is provided for set out of kerbside bins to align with our new Design Standard DS14 – Kerbside Recycling & Waste Bin Collection. Bins must be placed close to the road edge without obstructing footpaths, driveways or cycle lanes, and must be kept at least 1.0m from obstacles such as trees, poles, parked vehicles and fences. Designs must demonstrate that sufficient berm space is available for bin placement in accordance with DS14.
Where a proposed cul-de-sac or road design cannot meet these requirements, the Resource Consent application must clearly identify any shortfalls and provide recommendations to mitigate any hazards. Council will require additional commentary and evidence from the design engineer to demonstrate that safety or operational hazards can be addressed to Council’s satisfaction.
Transportation As Built Specification - Traffic Resolutions
The Transportation As-Built Specification (AB2) has been updated to include guidance for Traffic Resolutions. This information is needed for Council to ensure that our Traffic and Parking Enforcement Bylaw is kept up to date and parking restrictions in new subdivisions are legally enforceable.
Traffic Resolutions are required for No Stopping at All Times restrictions (broken yellow lines), parking time restrictions (for example, P10, P30 and P60), mobility parking spaces, loading zones, bus stands, cycle lanes, and any other traffic or parking restrictions.
Council’s standard Traffic Resolution wording template must be used. Further information can be found in Section 6 of our updated AB2 – As Built Specification – Transportation.
Pavement Design – WBOPDC Development Code vs TCC IDC
Tauranga City Council (TCC) has updated its pavement design and testing requirements in the Infrastructure Development Code (IDC, DS-4.5.4.3 to DS-4.5.4.19). WBOPDC will accept these sections of the TCC IDC as an approved alternative to Sections CS4-A and CS4-B of the WBOPDC Development Code.
If using the TCC IDC method, the chosen design and testing specification must be clearly stated in the Engineering Design Approval application. Once agreed, that methodology must be followed through to road completion and vesting, and it cannot be switched later unless Council approves it in writing.
As Built Asset Management Data Standard
To align with the national NZTA Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS), WBOPDC has updated its transport as built requirements in Section AB2 of the Development Code. From 1 July 2026, developers and transport engineers delivering new public roads must submit road and road-reserve asset data using the Transport Asset Data Form from the WBOPDC website, in addition to the required as built drawings.
This form replaces the previous Road Asset and Maintenance Management (RAMM) template.
Improvement Projects
Council is currently working on improvements in key areas, including (but not limited to):
- Refreshing several sections of the Development Code.
- Updating the Hygiene Code of Practice for Water Supply Systems.
- Establishing a formalised Performance Bond procedure.
- Developing a Standardised Document Naming protocol.
National Vertical Datum Changes
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is changing the survey datum level in our district, this change follows updates received from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), late February 2024.
These changes will be effective from 1 July 2024 and will impact all cadastral survey datasets, which must now be prepared in terms of NZVD2016. NZVD2016 will be the official vertical datum for New Zealand and is supported by a high-quality network of survey control marks maintained by LINZ.
Land surveying datum levels are crucial for accurate mapping, construction, and other geographic referencing activities within our community.
Key notes regarding the survey datum level changes:
- Reason for Change: The transition to NZVD2016 is aimed at setting national datum, which is intended to replace various ‘local vertical datums’ used across the country.
- Impact on Cadastral Survey Datasets: Cadastral survey datasets that require a vertical datum will increasingly be prepared in terms of NZVD2016, in advance of the deadline. Hence, all as-builts submitted to Council will need to adhere to this change.
- Effective Date: The survey datum level changes will come into effect from 1 July 2024. It is important for all stakeholders involved in surveying, construction, and mapping activities to adhere to the new datum level from this date onwards.
- Risk: There's a big chance that measurements might get mixed up, thinking they're based on one thing when they're actually based on something else. This mistake could lead to putting things in the wrong place or worrying about breaking height rules set by the council for no reason. We suggest making sure to double-check this from now on (if you haven't already been doing so)
- Continued Collaboration: We are committed to collaborating with LINZ and other relevant authorities to monitor the impact of these changes.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement these important changes to improve the accuracy and reliability of geographic data within our district.
For any further information, you can check out, New Zealand Vertical Datum 2016 (NZVD2016)
Stormwater Management Guide and Responsibilities
Most private drains connect to the public stormwater network and are important because they carry stormwater away from homes and businesses to the public network, streams and the sea. It is vital to be mindful of the potential environmental impact caused by substances such as chemicals, oils, dirt, and soaps that can be washed into drains. These pollutants have the potential to harm the environment, particularly the sea.
To help mitigate stormwater problems on your property, we have outlined some guidelines that you can follow. By adhering to these recommendations, you can reduce the likelihood of stormwater-related issues and contribute to a healthier environment.
Please see useful guide below:
