Road reserve

Road reserve includes the road carriageway, footpath, berm and other grassed areas. 
It is the total area from boundary to boundary - usually the front fence of a property boundary across the road to the opposite property front boundary.  

As the road reserve is owned by Council, you need approval to carry out any work within road reserve.  Any work that involves digging the ground, such as:

• a driveway - construction or reconstruction, installing culverts
• drainage work - stormwater, wastewater or water pipes
• services - gas, power, cables, trenches, cabinets, poles
• planting a tree

For information about fences that bound private property and road reserve.

How to apply for approval to carry out work within the road reserve 

You need to fill in the application form 'Corridor Access Request'  for work in the road reserve.  Draw a site plan showing the location and construction details.  The application is free of charge. 

Download application form Corridor Access Request (163kb)

The declaration on the form refers to requirements of the Utilities code - visit NZ Utilities Advisory Group website and search 'Access to the Transport Corridors' 

What happens to your application

Once you submit your application, allow 20 working days for processing. 

• You cannot start the work until you have approval of your application.
• Any obstructions to the work such as trees, stormwater drains or power poles, in liaison with the asset owners - are to be removed or relocated at the property owner's expense.