Terminology

Surveying and land development terminology includes legal survey terms and Resource Management Act definitions, helping clarify processes like subdivision, consent, and land use approvals.

Those involved in the process of Land Surveying, Land subdivision and particularly the Resource Management Act use a number of terms, phrases and acronyms which are peculiar to those processes. This article explains the use of some common terms.

 Some common expressions used in Surveying and Land subdivision:

 Land Transfer Surveys – legal surveys undertaken which create or amend titles.

Title Plan – a plan created by a Licensed Surveyor showing the areas and dimensions of all new lots, and any Easements or Covenants intended to be created on the new titles.

Survey Plan – a plan created by a Licensed Surveyor showing details of how the survey has been carried out, and the location of all new survey marks.

 Some common expressions from the Resource Management Act (RMA):

Section 92 request – a request from a Council for more information before an application can be processed.

Section 223 certificate – a certificate confirming that the subdivision has been carried on in terms of a consent granted. Usually issued electronically

Section 224 certificate – a certificate issued by Council confirming that all conditions of consent have now been satisfied. Also issued electronically

Notification – a process whereby Council advertises that an application for Subdivision or Landuse consent has been received, and allows affected parties to be involved in the process.

Subdivision application – an application to a Council requesting approval for the legal boundaries of an existing title be amended, which may include a request for the creation of additional titles.

Land Use application – an application to Council (either Local or Regional) requesting approval to use land in a manner which is not permitted without a consent being granted.

Resource Consent – Any consent under the Resource Management Act including Subdivision consents and Land use consents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Title Plan and a Survey Plan?

A Title Plan shows the areas, dimensions, and any easements or covenants for new lots, while a Survey Plan shows how the survey was conducted and the location of all new survey marks. Both are prepared by licensed surveyors but serve different purposes.

What is a Section 92 request?

A Section 92 request is when a Council asks an applicant for additional information before processing a subdivision or land-use application. It ensures that the Council has all the details needed to make an informed decision.

What is a Resource Consent?

A Resource Consent is official approval granted under the Resource Management Act. It covers subdivision consents, land-use consents, and other permissions required to legally develop or alter land in New Zealand.

What is a Land Transfer Survey?

A Land Transfer Survey is a legal survey carried out by a licensed surveyor to create or amend property titles. It ensures that the legal boundaries of a property are correctly defined and recorded.