Open Space

District plan rules for the Open Space in Far North, New Zealand.

Summarised from the Far North District Plan. This is a summary compiled from the council's published plan, not the plan itself — and not legal or planning advice. Always verify against the council's official document before relying on any figure, and check whether a more recent plan change applies.

This page covers the district-wide provisions that apply to this zone, but the source plan did not yield standards specific to it. Treat the figures below as the general case and confirm the zone-specific rules with the council.

Open Space — Far North

Building Standards

RuleValueNotes
Maximum height8m above ground levelExcludes solar/water heating (0.5m), chimneys (1.2m × 1m), satellite dishes/aerials (1m), architectural features (1m)
Height in relation to boundary55° at 2m (north); 45° at 2m (east/west); 35° at 2m (south)Recession plane measured inwards from boundary
Setback (general)1.2m from all boundariesExcludes fences ≤2m and uncovered decks ≤0.5m
Setback from road3m measured from road boundary
Setback from MHWS26m
Building or structure coverage8% or 800m², whichever is the lesser
Impermeable surface coverage10% or 1,000m², whichever is the lesser

Permitted Activities

ActivityStatus
New building or structure accommodating a permitted activityPermitted
Impermeable surface coverage ≤10% or 1,000m²Permitted
Conservation activityPermitted
Maintenance of tracksPermitted
Vegetation plantingPermitted
Recreation activityPermitted
Park management activityPermitted
Community facilityPermitted
Sport and recreation facilityPermitted
Customary activityPermitted

Restricted Discretionary Activities

ActivityStatusDiscretion Restricted To
Impermeable surface coverage exceeding 10% or 1,000m²RDALandscaping/vegetation to reduce runoff; stormwater control method; land availability for effluent/stormwater disposal; low impact design methods; cumulative catchment effects; natural hazard mitigation; adverse effects on cultural/spiritual/heritage/amenity values of waterbodies
Commercial activityRDA
Visitor accommodationRDA
Camping groundRDA
Educational facilityRDA
Residential activityRDA
Activities not otherwise listedRDA

Building Standards — Assessment Matters (where standards not met)

StandardMatters of Discretion
Maximum heightCharacter and amenity of surrounding environment; dominance in relation to road and adjoining sites; loss of privacy to adjoining sites (including vacant sites); shading and loss of access to sunlight to adjoining sites; landscaping; natural hazard mitigation and site constraints
Height in relation to boundaryLoss of privacy to adjoining sites (including vacant sites); shading and loss of access to sunlight to adjoining sites (including buildings and outdoor areas); natural hazard mitigation and site constraints
Setback (excluding MHWS/wetland/lake/river margins)Character and amenity of surrounding area; screening, planting and landscaping; design and siting with respect to privacy and shading; natural hazard mitigation; stormwater control method; safety and efficiency of roading network; impacts on public walkways, reserves and esplanades
Setback from MHWSNatural character of coastal environment; screening, planting and landscaping; design and siting with respect to dominance on adjoining public space; natural hazard mitigation; stormwater control method; impacts on roads, public walkways, reserves and esplanades
Building or structure coverageCharacter and amenity of surrounding area; landscaping, planting and screening to mitigate adverse effects; extent to which private open space can be provided; extent to which siting, setback and design mitigate visual dominance on adjacent sites and surrounding environment

Other Standards (Non-Complying / Industrial / High-Impact Activities)

ActivityStatus
Industrial activityNon-complying
Motorsport activityNon-complying
Mineral extraction activityNon-complying
Offensive tradeNon-complying
Commercial compostingNon-complying
Community corrections activityNon-complying
LandfillNon-complying

Notes on Open Space Zone:

  • The Proposed District Plan (evidence 16, 19, 22) contains updated rules for the Open Space zone with standards that differ from the operative provisions in some cases.
  • Assessment criteria for discretionary activities must also consider relevant reserve management plans and public benefit.
  • All activities must comply with District-Wide Matters provisions in Part 3 of the District Plan (not detailed here).
  • The zone does not contain rules relating to setback to waterbodies for building/structures or setbacks to waterbodies for earthworks/vegetation clearance—refer to the Natural Character chapter.

Other zones in Far North