Apply for a LIM

Apply for a Land Information Memorandum. Information on pricing is available on our fees and charges page.

Order a LIM online

Cancellation fees

A cancellation of application fee is applied based on the number of elapsed days from the date of the application.

Refunds issued if cancelled

  • Within 1 working day and processing has not commenced $340 (Full fee $399.00)
  • Between 1 and 3 working days and processing has commenced $199.50 (50%)
  • After 3 working days - no refund

Note:
If the final process of compiling a LIM has already begun when you notify us that a LIM is not required, there will be no refund. In these cases, the LIM will be issued.

All requests for cancellation must be in writing and forwarded to information.management@southlanddc.govt.nz

What is a Land Information Memorandum?

A LIM report is a Council prepared document summarising current property information held by various departments on the day the LIM was completed.

The LIM will only provide information Council is aware of. If there is an issue Council hasn’t been notified about, and in the absence of a physical inspection of the property (not required for a LIM), then this will not be documented on the LIM.

Anyone can request a LIM (Land Information Memorandum) and Council is required to produce the document in 10 working days under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

Why should I get a LIM?

A LIM report from Council will disclose information to you about a property which is not immediately apparent through viewing the property and obtaining a builder’s report. It can tell you if previous alterations or construction works has been signed off by the council and whether the council requires any remedial work. Any house built or modified since 1992 should have a code compliance certificate or a certificate of acceptance issued by the local council to confirm the completed work meets the requirements of the Building Code. If it hasn’t, you need to find out why.

It can also include details about potential erosion on the site causing problems in the future, stormwater, protected trees, and all resource planning consents that affect the property – or the neighbouring environment. The LIM will also give you information about matters such as soil contamination, possibility of flooding, and zoning details. Even future road widening/motorway extensions and airport flight path restrictions could be included.

What can I expect to see in a LIM?

Some information which goes into a LIM is mandatory, some discretionary. Council can exercise its discretion under the LGOIMA to include information concerning the land it considers to be relevant. Mandatory information includes:

  • Special features or natural hazards, including potential for erosion, avulsion, falling debris, slippage, subsidence, flooding or likely presence of hazardous contaminants
  • information on water, stormwater and sewer services and the availability to connect
    the current rating valuation, rates charged, statutory land charges or an encumbrance
  • information on consents, certificates, notices, orders, or requisitions relating to the land or buildings
  • historic building permits issued prior to the introduction of the Building Act 1991
  • any compliance schedules issued for a building and when the related warrant of fitness expires
  • information relating to any potentially contaminated land
  • information on any licences relating to the Sale of Food, the Sale of Liquor or other licences
    registration or requisition (under the Health Act 1956) and when it expires
  • if the property contains an archaeological, historic or cultural site.