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Subdivision & Neighbourhood Design Wawaetanga Whenua

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Maintenance and renewal Print

Design Outcome

Subdivisions should consider the long term maintenance consequences of components that have a finite lifespan, and for any other burdens (in terms of maintenance needs, use restrictions or financial costs) that may impact on future residents.

​​​​​​While subdivisions will create a pattern that lasts for more than 100 years, many individual components within them have a limited lifespan. These can require regular maintenance or periodic renewal. Examples include: 
  • private stormwater detention or treatment devices
  • private driveways and access ways
  • private retaining structures 
  • areas of private covenanted bush 
  • private fences and barriers adjoining public roads or
  • walkways communal car parking and recreation areas

These costs can be significant and, if not budgeted for by the landowner, can become financially crippling. If maintenance is not carried out, a range of serious health, safety, and amenity problems can arise.​​

Better Design Practice

  • Subdivisions should minimise long term public and private running costs, as well as short term capital costs. This can be achieved by considering a range of layouts, densities and solutions and favouring the one that requires the least amount of large-scale works and large-scale engineering structures. Lifecycle costs, as well as the initial development and construction costs, will need to be considered. 
  • Any long term maintenance and renewal costs that must be met by property owners and are not subject to public funding must be communicated to land or property owners clearly, before any lot or pr​operty purchase is finalised. This information should be distributed to Auckland Council so it is aware of the liabilities facing residents.
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