Bylaws
What is a bylaw?
Bylaws are rules made by the Council to protect the community and the district to make it a safe and healthy place. They apply specifically to the Waimate District and are enforceable by either Council or other nominated agencies, such as the New Zealand Police.
Bylaws are generally made for one or more of the following purposes:
- to protect the public from nuisance
- to protect, promote, and maintain public health and safety
- to minimise the potential for offensive behaviour in public places
When are bylaws reviewed?
Under the Local Government Act, Council routinely reviews its district bylaws every 10 years. However, Council may choose to review bylaws earlier should the need arise. When changes to a reviewed bylaw are likely to have a significant impact on the district, Council will engage with the community through special consultation to make sure that the proposed changes align with the interests of the community.
Waimate District Consolidated Bylaw
The Waimate District Council Consolidated Bylaw is a set of bylaws (or chapters) which cover health, safety, public spaces, the use of water supplies and environmental issues.
The Waimate District Consolidated Bylaw 2018 was adopted on 4 December 2018.
It is divided into the following chapters:
Chapter | Title | Description |
1 | Identifies and interprets the terms and expressions used throughout the Consolidated Bylaw. | |
2 | Sets standards to maintain the wellbeing and enjoyment of the public in public places. | |
3 | Regulates the conduct of persons selling goods in public places. | |
4 | Controls the possession and use of alcohol in public spaces with the aim of reducing property damage and anti-social behaviour. | |
5 | Controls the riding of skateboards, bicycles, scooters, and similar devices on footpaths to reduce nuisance, injury to pedestrians and damage to property. | |
6 | Promotes public safety and the effective regulation of dogs. | |
7 | Allows for the use of parks, reserves, beaches and recreational tracks without nuisance or damage to natural areas and improvements. | |
8 | Provides for the use and enjoyment of cultural and recreational facilities and services without nuisance or damage. | |
9 | Provides for the purchase of plots, interment, erection of structures and maintenance of cemeteries. | |
10 | Controls the movement of stock along and across roads. | |
11 | Protects the roads from nuisance and damage. | |
13 | Defines the requirements for sorting, preparation, collection and depositing of solid waste at waste management facilities. | |
14 | Sets standards for the supply, installation, and control of water and wastewater services. | |
18 | Sets the requirements for the keeping of animals, poultry and bees in urban and business areas. | |
20 | Health Protection – Beauty Facilities, Skin Piercing and Tattooing | Regulates standards to prevent the transfer of communicable diseases and infections. |
22 | Requires private properties to be maintained and managed to protect public health and safety, and from a range of nuisances. |
Revoked chapters
The following chapters of the Consolidated Bylaw have been revoked:
Chapter | Title | Date Revoked |
12 | Traffic Speed Limits | 21 February 2023 |
15 | Demolition, Construction and Maintenance of Buildings and Site Works | 4 December 2018 |
16 | Apartment Buildings and Boarding Houses | 4 December 2018 |
17 | Fire Prevention Involving Vegetation | 4 December 2018 |
19 | Food Safety | 4 December 2018 |
21 | Licences for Vehicle Stands on Streets | 4 December 2018 |
How are bylaw issues responded to?
Council investigate bylaw breaches that we see, or that are reported to us. Where appropriate, we use a range of compliance methods. These may include:
- Advice and education
- Seizure of property
- Letter of direction
- Abatement notice
- Enforcement order
- Formal warning
- Infringement notice
- Prosecution
Refer to our Enforcement Policy for more information.
Bylaws can be enforced by Council staff or external agencies, such as the New Zealand Police.
Get in touch
If you want to report a bylaw breach, please contact us.
