Plans, policies and reports
Hauraki Gulf Islands review
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Issues and options papers
Residential Development Definitions
Issue
The Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan currently provides a number of
definitions relating to residential uses. Some aspects of the definitions for
"accessory buildings", "residential purposes",
"dwelling", "housekeeping unit" and "visitor
facilities" are related. The wording of these definitions can be subjective
and difficult to administer. For instance, the definition of
"dwelling" states that where there are separate buildings they are
required to be integral. This is very subjective and does not provide certainty
for Council staff or the public.
There is often a desire to have family live in a separate small dwelling on a
site. Currently this would be assessed as a multiple dwelling. However, as the
plan does not provide for this type of extended family living in a 'minor unit',
a "visitor facility" is often utilised as a means to get a second,
self-contained facility. In some cases the facility is never used for its stated
purpose. Should the District Plan contain a provision for a small unit on a site
for the exclusive use of family? While this may be an approach to deal with
family housing, there might be issues of enforcement if such a provision was
incorporated into the Plan. Should a financial contribution be taken for these
dwellings, and should there be subdivision limitations for these dwellings?
Plan change 101 to the Isthmus Plan (now operative) amended the definitions
of "residential unit" and "accessory building". An accessory
building cannot include a kitchen sink or dishwashing facility. Should a similar
approach be taken in the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan?
Possible approaches
You may have a better or alternative approach to those outlined below. If so,
we would like to hear from you.
- Retain the status quo.
- Create a new definition of "minor residential unit" with clear,
non-subjective boundaries.
- Amend the current definitions relating to residential uses to remove
subjectivity.
- Define what makes a building "self-contained".
- Define "kitchen".
- Amend definitions to be consistent with Isthmus Plan change 101.
Note:
While this issue paper can be read in isolation, it is best read in
association with the issue papers relating to:
