Urban addressing

Urban addressing is the system used to assign street numbers to properties located within towns and urban areas. Unlike rural properties that use RAPID (Rural Address Property Identification) numbers, urban properties are identified by street numbers to ensure clarity and consistency for emergency services, postal delivery, and navigation.

How Urban Street Numbers Are Assigned

Urban street numbers are allocated based on the property's location along a road:

• Left Side of the Road: Properties on the left are numbered starting from ‘1’ at the beginning of the road, increasing sequentially using odd numbers (e.g., 1, 3, 5, 7...).
• Right Side of the Road: Properties on the right begin at ‘2’ and increase using even numbers (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8...).
• Cul-de-sacs: The same odd/even numbering system applies.
• Corner Properties: The street number is determined by the location of the main entrance to the property.

In development areas, Council may intentionally skip numbers to allow for future subdivision or infill housing.

Where Is Urban Numbering Used?

Urban street numbering is used in towns across the region, including:

• Blenheim
• Renwick
• Picton
• Havelock

Urban Numbering Process

• Street numbers are typically assigned after a new dwelling is built.
• The numbering is managed and assigned free of charge by the Council.
• If a property is built between two existing numbered sites, it will be assigned a number that fits logically within the existing sequence.
• No physical number plate is provided by Council for urban addresses; property owners are responsible for displaying their number clearly.

Special Cases in Urban Numbering

• Shared Driveways: Properties accessed via a shared driveway may be assigned a suffix letter (e.g., 15A, 15B, 15C). These suffixes:
  • Begin with A
  • Are assigned incrementally
  • Should not extend beyond E

Can I Change My Street Number?

Street numbers are assigned based on location and cannot be changed for personal reasons such as cultural, religious, or superstitious beliefs.

However, changes may occur in the following cases:

• A new development alters the numbering sequence.
• Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) instructs the Council to change a number if it does not meet Addressing standards.

If you have an address-related enquiry such as subdividing your property and not knowing your new address, experiencing an address discrepancy, not receiving mail, or relocating your driveway

Any enquires please email MDCAddressing@marlborough.govt.nz