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Understanding Zoning and Density Rules in Selwyn

By Rose Marshall, Planner, Baseline Group | October 29, 2024 | Dec 09, 2024

Within New Zealand, each District Council uses zoning and density rules to guide where and how housing development occurs, playing a crucial role in shaping our neighbourhoods. Selwyn district continues to experience significant growth and understanding these development rules can help landowners make informed choices about developing their properties.

Zoning refers to the mapping of land into designated areas for specific uses, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational. Each zone has distinct rules that control development in terms of building types, heights, and proximity to neighbouring properties. These rules help maintain the character of the area, ensuring new developments contribute towards functional, safe neighbourhoods.

A common question among landowners is whether they are allowed to build more than one dwelling on their property. The answer largely depends on the zoning classification of the land. In certain zones, particularly medium-density residential areas, landowners may have the opportunity to develop multiple units, such as townhouses. However, in low-density zones where single-family homes are anticipated, building multiple dwellings may not be permitted. However, in some cases, one minor residential unit — an ancillary dwelling with a floor area up to 70 m²— may be allowed.

These density rules determine the scale of residential developments and influence everything from traffic patterns to local services and amenities. Higher density is typically only provided for in areas able to service this increase in density, such as those in proximity to commercial hubs, community facilities, and large open spaces. In the Selwyn District the following residential zones provide for land development opportunities:

Large Lot Residential Zones: This zone typically accommodates larger properties, permitting one primary dwelling and one minor dwelling. These areas are designed to maintain spacious living environments, typically located on the fringe of townships, providing a transition to surrounding rural areas.

Low-Density Residential Zones: Primarily designated for single-family homes, these zones also allow only one primary dwelling and one minor dwelling, promoting a suburban environment with larger lot sizes to preserve privacy and maintain a balance of open space.

General Residential Zones: These zones allow for a mix of housing types, permitting only one primary dwelling and one minor dwelling, but facilitating higher density (four or more units) through consent. This zone provides for moderate density.

Medium-Density Residential Zones: These areas permit a mix of housing types, including townhouses and duplexes, allowing for three dwellings to be established as a permitted activity. These zones support walkable neighbourhoods with access to essential services, which are becoming increasingly important as Selwyn grows.

Opportunities for Landowners:For landowners in Selwyn, understanding zoning and density rules allows for maximising property potential. Planning consultants can provide tailored advice, helping landowners understand the rules that apply to properties and assisting in the development of feasible plans to comply with local rules. They can also identify how many and what type of dwellings are allowed and how to navigate the resource consent process, if required.

By navigating zoning rules carefully, landowners can make strategic choices that enhance both property value and neighbourhood quality.

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