When is a resource consent needed for a heritage property and how do I go about it?
A resource consent is required for all works that may affect the heritage fabric on all heritage listed buildings and properties included in Volume 3 Chapter 10 of the City Plan before work is undertaken. Heritage fabric is in relation to the Banks Peninsula Proposed District Plan, all works to Protected Buildings (listed in Appendix IV of the District Plan) and Notable Buildings (listed in Appendix V of the District Plan) require resource consent. Works include all alterations, removal and demolition, adding buildings on the site and subdivision of a heritage property. Some maintenance does not require a resource consent although in some instances, external maintenance and painting will require a consent as an alteration. it may be considered to be an alteration.
If you are unsure whether the work you are proposing to carry out requires resource consent, please contact the Duty planner on (03) 941 8999 .
The level and scope of information required will vary depending on the extent of the works proposed, the heritage listing and particular resource consent requirements.
Depending on your proposal, you may need to seek input from appropriate specialist consultants to assist in the development of your proposal.
Requirements will vary depending on the heritage listing and scope of the proposal and may include:
a heritage assessment or Conservation Plan
a seismic engineering report
fire, safety, building and disabled access reports
an economic feasibility report
other specialist reports as required.
You may also need to consider a range of options for any seismic, Building Act, economic and other aspects of your proposal, before deciding on your preferred option. This information should also be included where relevant to support your application.
What is a 'living zone'? What is a 'residential zone'?
Christchurch City (Under the Christchurch City Plan) is divided into specific zones that only allow certain activities or land uses.
The living or residential zones provide for residential use, and some home occupations. There is some provision for community uses, such as pre schools, health practitioners, and traveller's accommodation but the rules vary in different zones. Check the City Plan for details.
What are the differences between zones?
One of the main differences between zones is the type of housing development that occur.
The following guidelines refer to the City Plan.
In the living H zone, one unit/dwelling is permitted on a minimum land area of 650m2. This zone covers the residential areas of the Port Hills.
In the living 1 zone low density development is anticipated. One unit/dwelling is permitted on a minimum net land area of 450m2. A feature of this zone is the large amount of open space required - the site coverage is a maximum of 35% or 40% depending on the building height. These zones are generally located in the outer suburban areas.
In the living 2 zone low to medium density development is anticpated. One unit/dwelling is permitted on a minimum of land area of 330m2 squared. This zone is located closer to the central city area or suburban centres and has a lesser amount of open space required than living 1 - the site coverage is 40% or 45% depending on building height.
The living 3 zone allows for the 'town house' type of development to medium densities. The minimum allotment size is 300m2 for vacant sites, however there is no required maximum number of units per site. Calculations are based on a ratio of floor area to land area. For residential development a residential floor area ratio of up to 0.8 is allowed.
The living 4 zones allow for high-density, predominantly residential development and are located mainly within the 'four avenues'. The residential floor area ratios are:
1.2 for L4A
1.4 for L4B
1.2 for L4C
Again, much depends on the design of the units.
For more information, view a summary of the rules applying to residential units in zones Living 1, Living 2, Living 3 and Living H.
