Council policies

Our policies help us make sure we have a consistent framework and principles for all interested parties. 

Long-term Plan policies

• Development Contributions Policy 2024 [PDF 5.17 MB] The key purpose of the Development Contributions Policy is to ensure that a fair proportion of the cost of infrastructure needed to serve growth is funded by those who cause the need for that infrastructure (that is, the developments leading to growth).
• Development Contributions Limited Remission Policy for Community Housing 2024 [PDF 307 KB] outlines the Council’s approach to providing for limited remission of development contributions required under its Development Contribution Policy for certain defined developments carried out by specified developers. In this case the remission policy relates to community housing and papakāinga housing.
• Rates Remissions Policy 2024 [PDF 409 KB] Under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, Kāpiti Coast District Council may write off part or all of the rates subject to certain criteria being met.
• Revenue and Financing Policy 2024  [PDF 825 KB]The Local Government Act 2002 requires the Council
  to adopt a range of policies in order to provide predictability and certainty about sources and levels of funding. These policies are included in the Revenue and Financing Policy.
• Significance and Engagement Policy 2024 [PDF 249 KB] Council had a Significance policy and a Consultation policy, both of which were developed with public consultation. The Significance and Engagement policy incorporates the major provisions of these two policies, which have been revoked.
• Treasury Management Policy 2024 [PDF 384 KB] This policy provides a framework for all of Council's treasury management activities, and defines key responsibilities and operating parameters in which treasury activity is to be carried out.
• New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency 2012 [PDF 61 KB] outlines Council's role and responsibilities as a principal shareholding local authority in local government funding agency.

General policies

All policies are in PDF and available for download or print from the links below.

• Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venue Gambling Policy [PDF 98 KB] This policy seeks to manage the growth and social impact of Class 4 gambling in communities, and also covers stand-alone TAB Venues, which are owned or leased by the New Zealand Racing Board. Council consent is not required under current legislation to establish a TAB facility in a bar, hotel or club. The policy was adopted by Council on 14 December 2023, and updated with additional guidance in footnote 2, resolved by Council on 26 September 2024, and replaces the Class 4 Gambling Policy 2019 and the TAB Venue Gambling Policy 2019 
• Community Gardens Policy [PDF 168 KB] This policy was approved on February 4, 2010 and later amended by Council on 18 March 2010. It provides for the use of Council-owned communal land for community gardens/mara kai.
• Compliance and Enforcement Policy 2024 [PDF 591 KB] This policy is provided for information purposes only so as to provide general guidance on how compliance, enforcement and prosecution matters are dealt with by the Council.
• Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2018 [PDF 79 KB] The policy is required to state the approach that Council will take in performing its functions under the Building Act 2004, its priorities in performing those functions, and how the policy will apply to heritage buildings.
• Dog Control Policy 2019 [PDF 423 KB] This policy directs the Dog Control Bylaw 2019. The aims of this policy are to manage the control of dogs, provide for the welfare of dogs, encourage good and responsible dog ownership and to protect the public from dangerous dogs in the Kāpiti Coast District, as per the requirements of the Dog Control Act 1996. 
• Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 2023 [PDF 443 KB] This policy is made under Part 2 (subpart 1) of the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 (the Act) and is to enable shops to trade on Easter Sunday if they wish. 
• Elected Members Remuneration Expenses and Allowances Policy 2022–25 [PDF 327 KB] This policy clarifies payment of elected member salaries, allowances and reimbursements.
• Film Friendly Policy 2019 [PDF 412 KB] The aim of this policy is to support filming in the Kāpiti Coast, as well as the rest of the Wellington Region, by promoting and encouraging a supportive environment for the local film industry. This policy, which was adopted by Council on 5 September 2019, includes a new section on filming with drones. There is also an MOU signed with Screen Wellington [PDF 200 KB]., and a Local Government Filming Protocol 2002 [PDF 1.07 MB].
• Freedom Camping Policy 2012 [PDF 589 KB] This policy supports the Public Places Bylaw 2010. The objective of the Freedom Camping Policy is to better manage freedom camping on the Kāpiti Coast. The Policy helps to ensure visitors and locals have a clear understanding of where freedom camping permitted, the conditions in doing so, and the services/facilities available to make it successfully happen. We're reviewing this policy in 2024 – see Freedom camping policy review for more information. 
• Local Approved Products (Psychoactive Substances) Policy 2020 [PDF 646 KB] This policy restricts the location of retail 'legal high' outlets to reduce the harm from psychoactive substances in the district. Further information can be found here.
• Major Events Fund Policy [PDF 265 KB], providing a framework for funding support for major events on the Kāpiti Coast.
• Non-elected members fees framework 2022–25 [PDF 382 KB] outlines the payments of fees and expenses to non-elected members, including independent members appointed to the Risk and Assurance Committee, and community members appointed to various committees and subcommittees, as well as mana whenua representatives attending Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti meetings.
• Public Art Policy 2013 [PDF 126 KB] is a key component of the Kapiti Coast District Council Strategy for Supporting the Arts 2012. It outlines why public art is important to the District, and what Council wishes to achieve for the District through public art.
• Reserves, Structures and Commemorative Places Naming Policy: 2011 [PDF 165 KB] This policy provides a framework for naming reserves, structures and commemorative places owned or managed by the Kāpiti Coast District Council.
• Road Naming and Street Numbering Policy: 2011 [PDF 168 KB] This policy provides a clear framework for the management of road names and street numbers within the Kāpiti Coast District.
• Smokefree Public Places Policy 2023 [PDF 225 KB] This policy aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Kāpiti residents by reducing the incidence of smoking and vaping in public places, de-normalising smoking and vaping behaviour in public places, and supporting healthy environments for our tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people).
• Trading in Public Places Policy 2017 [PDF 324 KB] This policy supports the Public Places Bylaw 2017 by providing additional detail on trading activities such as markets, temporary events and alfresco dining in public places. The policy's aim is to ensure trading activities are carried out safely, appropriately and with minimum nuisance to the general public. Compliance with this policy is a requirement of the Public Places Bylaw 2017.
• Waste Levy Grants Allocation Policy 2020 [PDF 301 KB] The purpose of this policy is to ensure optimal and transparent allocation of the national waste levy funding to waste minimisation projects, and increase the range, scale and number of waste minimisation activities on the Kāpiti Coast through effective use of the waste levy fund.