Terminology

Terminology in land surveying and subdivision refers to specialized terms, plans, and processes to define property boundaries, guide surveys, and ensure compliance with laws and consents.

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.