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Notable trees are trees of outstanding historical, botanical, landscape, amenity or cultural value in the district.
Notable Trees are identified and protected in the Operative District Plan 2005 and the Proposed District Plan – Appeals Version 2023.
The Operative District Plan 2005 lists notable trees in Appendix 13 – Notable Trees. There are rules covering erection of structures, excavation and filling and outdoor storage within the drip line area of a notable tree; trimming and maintenance, or removal or destruction of a notable tree; and subdivision of an allotment containing a notable tree.
The Proposed District Plan – Appeals Version 2023 lists notable trees in SCHED4 – Schedule of Notable Trees. There are rules managing activities on and around notable trees such as trimming and maintenance, earthworks and root pruning, plus removal, partial removal or destruction.
You own and may use your notable tree and the space around it in the usual manner provided that the notable tree, including its root system and living environment, is not damaged. A resource consent may be required from the Council before any proposed activity involving your notable tree, or activities in close proximity to the tree, can be carried out.
You will need to apply for a resource consent. A report is required from an approved arborist assessing the value of the notable tree and the effects of your proposed activity. If your application is successful, conditions may be placed on your consent. There is no guarantee that consent will be granted.
The Council can provide information and advice and investigate complaints. Urgent queries received after hours or at weekends will also be attended to without hesitation.
If the health of your notable tree or the safety of people or property is compromised, the Council may assist with the cost of pruning or removal (if funds are available). In all other circumstances, costs are met by the owner or, in the case of a resource consent, by the applicant.
You should contact us before you or anyone else takes any further action. An arborist from the Council or another qualified arborist will then perform a hazard assessment on the notable tree.
If a notable tree is deemed hazardous, its listing will be deleted from the schedule of notable trees at the next update to the District Plan.
The owner of the tree contacts the Council to request an assessment. An arborist from the Council or another qualified arborist will assess the tree against various criteria. Trees are assessed as either a single tree or a group of trees.
If your tree or group of trees is assessed as being of notable standard, it can then be recommended for inclusion in a proposed change to the District Plan. Plan changes will occur on a periodic basis. This involves public notification and calling for submissions.
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Page last updated: 09:51am Tue 02 July 2024