Street Use and Public Places Bylaw review

We’re reviewing the Street Use and Public Places Bylaw 2018. This bylaw sets the rules for using public places.

Tell us what you think

Tauranga’s public places, our footpaths, streets, parks and reserves, are where we connect, relax and enjoy the outdoors. These spaces are shared by everyone, and we want to make sure they’re safe, accessible, and enjoyable.

We are wanting your views on this proposal.

You can do this by:

sharing your feedback online
emailing it to policy@tauranga.govt.nz
sharing your feedback via a printed consultation form, available at one of our Library Community Hubs.

Community consultation opens on Thursday 13 November 2025 and will run until 5pm, Tuesday 16, December 2025.

Share your thoughts

What’s the bylaw all about?

Tauranga’s public places, like footpaths, streets, parks and reserves, are essential for community life. They’re where we walk, shop, dine, trade, and connect. But as our city grows and changes, so do the way we use these places. That’s why we are reviewing the Street Use and Public Places Bylaw 2018.

This bylaw sets the rules for how public places can be used, helping to balance vibrancy and safety. It ensures that the community can all enjoy these areas without causing harm, obstruction, or nuisance.

What the bylaw helps manage:

Trading activities: such as businesses using footpaths and streets for retail displays and dining furniture, and mobile shops across the city.
Signage: managing the number and placement of signs to ensure safety, maintain visual amenities and avoid clutter.
Safety and accessibility: making sure footpaths remain clear and usable for everyone, including people with mobility needs.

Key proposed changes

What we’re proposing

Changing the area of the footpath that must be kept clear for pedestrians
Mobile shop definition expanded to include services
Street dining and commercial displays allowed up to 1.5 square metres without approval
Real estate signage clarified

Why we’re doing it

More practical for Tauranga’s footpaths while still safe.
Supports a wider range of mobile businesses
Provides clarity and consistency
Maintains safety and amenity by setting clear conditions

Proposed change to footpath

Proposed change to footpath (218kb pdf)

Footpaths are shared spaces with different uses, so we divide them into zones to keep things safe and accessible. Closest to the road is the Road Frontage Zone (0.8m) for kerbside features like signs and light poles. Next is the Pedestrian Way (1.8m), a clear path for people to move through easily. Directly outside the shops is the Frontage Zone (up to 1.5m) for things like seating or displays. This approach ensures everyone can get around while supporting local businesses.

To see the full details of the proposed changes, please refer to the Statement of Proposal (135kb pdf).