Auckland Council Proposes Major Housing Regulation Overhaul

A significant shift in housing regulations is poised to affect Auckland, where hundreds of thousands of properties currently designated for three-storey developments may revert to single-house zoning. This change is part of a comprehensive set of amendments to planning rules that officials are set to present to the Auckland Council on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Key changes outlined in the proposal include the allowance for 10-storey and 15-storey developments within a 10-minute walk of selected train stations and rapid bus stations. The plan identifies 44 walkable catchments where these higher-density developments would be permitted. Additionally, height limits will increase to six storeys along major transport corridors, aimed at promoting urban density and accessibility.

In a notable shift, approximately 12,000 properties will be “downzoned,” making new developments on these sites either more challenging or outright prohibited due to risks associated with natural hazards like coastal erosion and flooding. This move aligns with efforts to enhance safety and sustainability in urban planning.

Further changes include the elimination of “special character” designations in certain areas of the city, which could facilitate more extensive development. These amendments follow updates to the Resource Management Act, which are set to become law on the same day as the council’s meeting.

If the Auckland Council approves the proposed plan, it will be opened for public submissions, allowing residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions before a final decision is reached later this year. The community’s feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of housing in Auckland, particularly as the city grapples with its ongoing housing crisis.

This substantial regulatory overhaul reflects Auckland’s commitment to addressing housing demand while managing the challenges posed by environmental risks. As the city prepares for a potential transformation in its housing landscape, the implications of these changes will be closely monitored by residents, developers, and policymakers alike.