Road and berm use

Grazing on the road berm

Grazing animals on the road berm is allowed as long as all animals are securely fenced and permission has been granted by Council.

Fencing should:

• Be suitable and appropriate to ensure relevant stock are secure
• Not impair the visibility or safety for road users

Planting on the road berm

The road berm is often used for services such as power poles and underground pipes/wiring, therefore, planting on the berm is not permitted. Under exception circumstances Council may allow planting but Council permission must be given.

Things to consider before you approach Council seeking permission are:

• Shading that could cause damage and/or injury to road users
• Lack of visibility
• Planting will not damage the road or surrounding area
• Planting will ensure the road’s integrity is maintained

Planting adjacent to the road berm

Landowners can mistakenly use land adjacent to the road berm thinking it is private land. This may not necessarily be the case.

If, however, the land is private, then planting must not cause the following:

• Root damage to footpaths
• Less visibility for road users
• Tree roots penetrating drains

Landowners will be responsible for the costs should this type of damage occur.

Storage on the road berm

Storage on road berms is not allowed. This includes (but not limited to):

• Hay bales/balage
• Logs
• Machinery
• Containers
• Buildings

Under exceptional circumstances permission may be given by Council. Contact the Roading team at roading@waimatedc.govt.nz or call +64 3 689 0000 for assistance.

Permanent fencing in the road berm is allowable, however, permission must be sought from Council. The fence must avoid drains, channels, and underground services.

Roadside fixtures

Roadside fixtures such as large rocks, ornamental enhancements, and elaborate mailboxes are not permitted if they are deemed to be a hazard and could cause harm or injury to road users.

Private services on road reserve

Any private services on public land, including the road reserve, are not permitted without Council permission. For example, water pipes must not be put through culverts.

Please contact the Roading team at roading@waimatedc.govt.nz or call +64 3 689 0000 for assistance and further information.

Corridor access request

Utility operators are required to complete a Corridor Access Request (CAR) for any work to be done in the public road area (see below for the application form).

A CAR is required for, but not limited to:

• Excavating
• Drilling
• Resurfacing
• Installation of pipes, cables, and poles

If you wish to fence the road reserve please complete the Enclose Portion Of Road Application Form (below).

NB: The application does not constitute approval to fence the road reserve. A letter from Council will be sent to the appropriate mailing address stipulating the necessary conditions.