Christchurch City Council Permits

If you need to place a skip bin on a public road, berm, parking space, footpath, or any other part of the road reserve within Christchurch City, you will generally need approval from Christchurch City Council before the bin is delivered. The Council manages temporary occupations of public spaces to ensure pedestrian safety, maintain traffic flow, and protect public infrastructure. Permit conditions may include requirements for reflective markings, visibility measures, safe placement distances from intersections and crossings, and the maintenance of access to footpaths, driveways, and essential services. Wherever possible, placing a skip bin on private property is preferred, as this can avoid the need for council approvals. Because requirements can vary depending on the placement's location, duration, and impact, it is always advisable to confirm the latest permit requirements with Christchurch City Council or your skip bin service provider before arranging delivery.

To place a skip bin on a public place like a footpath, road, or grass berm in Christchurch, you must obtain a Non-Excavation Corridor Access Request (CAR) or a Temporary Use of Legal Road Permit from the ⁠Christchurch City Council (CCC).

The Council tightly regulates the road reserve to ensure public infrastructure is protected and that road users remain safe.

• The Main Permit: You must secure official written approval from the Council before the skip bin is dropped off. An acceptance letter from the Council must be kept readily available on-site.
• Traffic Management Plan (TMP): Every single skip bin permit approved for a public road reserve in Christchurch is strictly conditional upon obtaining a Council-approved Traffic Management Plan. A qualified temporary traffic management professional must draft this to guarantee the safety of pedestrians and drivers.
• Footpath Clearance: If the bin is approved to sit near a pedestrian route, you must maintain a minimum unobstructed footpath width of 1.5 metres in standard residential or suburban areas. In inner-city or high-volume shopping districts, this minimum requirement increases to 2 metres.
• Intersection Restrictions: To maintain clear lines of sight for motorists, you are strictly prohibited from placing a skip bin within 30 metres of an intersection if it obstructs a driver's view.

• Application Fees: The Council charges a temporary road lease fee per square metre, per month, with a minimum base fee.
• Processing Time: You must allow at least 10 working days for the Christchurch City Council to process the temporary road use application and confirm approval.

1. Submit Online: Log in to the MyWorksites platform used by the Christchurch City Council to log a Non-Excavation Corridor Access Request (CAR).
2. Upload Safety Documentation: Complete the application forms and attach your professionally drafted Traffic Management Plan (TMP) along with exact site diagrams and placement dates.
3. Invoice and Permit: Once the application is vetted, the Council will issue an invoice for the lease fees. Your formal permit/acceptance letter will be released via email once payment is finalised.

Navigating the MyWorksites portal and hiring a professional to draw up a custom TMP can be a complex and expensive roadblock for a residential cleanup.

Most major skip bin hire companies in Christchurch deal with the Council daily. When booking your bin, ask the supplier if they can arrange the council permit and traffic management protocols on your behalf. They can often add the permit directly to your booking fee, saving you time and ensuring full compliance.