Dunedin City Council Yard Maintenance Regulations

FORUDUNEDIN Lawn Mowing & Gardening outlines key Dunedin City Council yard maintenance requirements that apply across most outdoor services.

Vegetation, Overgrowth, and Roadside Visibility

Property owners must keep vegetation trimmed to protect visibility and access for road users and pedestrians. Clearances and setbacks apply to footpaths, roads, and kerb lines.

• Trim vegetation back to the edge of roads and footpaths, then set back a further 500 mm behind water channels and kerbs.

• Maintain a vertical clearance of at least 2.5 metres over footpaths and 4.5 metres over roads.

• Keep plants and hedges from extending more than 500 mm beyond the kerb line.

• Grass verges outside urban properties are the adjacent homeowner’s responsibility in most areas.

• Compliance notices typically allow 28 days to complete works, with a further 28 days after a second notice before council intervention and cost recovery.

Hedges, Trees, Boundaries, and Powerlines

Trees and hedges must not obstruct public spaces or sight lines. While routine hedge maintenance and small-to-medium tree work may be permitted, certain tasks require specialist involvement.

• Maintain minimum clearances of 2.5 metres over footpaths and 4.5 metres over roads

• Keep branches and hedges from extending more than 500 mm beyond the kerb line

• Any work within 4 metres of power lines must be completed by a qualified utility arborist

• Trimming or removing scheduled or protected trees may require resource consent

Noise and Working Hours for Garden Equipment

Noise must be managed to avoid unreasonable disturbance in residential areas. Lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws should be operated within permitted timeframes.

• Noisy garden equipment may be operated only on weekdays, between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm.

• Do not start before 7:30 am or continue past 6:00 pm.

• No noisy yard work on weekends or public holidays.

• Keep noise to a reasonable level and respond promptly to neighbour concerns.

• Where possible, schedule higher-noise tasks for mid-day and use quieter or battery-powered equipment.

Waste, Green Waste Disposal, and Stormwater Rules

Green waste and wash water must be handled responsibly to protect local waterways and prevent pollution. Contaminants entering stormwater systems may lead to enforcement action.

• Do not allow green waste, soil, sediment, paint, chemicals, or cleaning products to enter stormwater drains.

• Contaminants entering stormwater systems are unlawful and may result in enforcement action.

• Green waste should be removed off-site or composted on-site, where appropriate and permitted.

Why Council Compliance Matters For Property Upkeep

Following council rules helps keep neighbourhoods safe, protects infrastructure, and reduces the risk of fines or corrective notices. Clear sight lines, responsible waste handling, and respectful noise management all contribute to safer urban environments.

Key compliance principles include:

• Respecting neighbourhood quiet times and nuisance rules.

• Maintaining required clearances over footpaths and roads.

• Using qualified specialists for restricted work near power lines.

• Ensuring green waste is contained and disposed of correctly.

• Protecting sight lines across driveways, intersections, and pedestrian areas.

Official resources for further reference:

• Dunedin City Council - Roads, verges and vegetation maintenance guidelines
  
• Dunedin City Council - Stormwater quality and pollution rules
  
• Dunedin City Council - Noise control in residential areas
  
• Aurora Energy - Trees near power lines guidance

Note: Regulations and guidance are subject to change. Always review official council and utility pages for the latest updates.