What are the current rules?

Please note that the information provided below should only be used to assist with answering the Shaping Horowhenua survey.  To make a resource consent application or to determine whether you require a resource consent please consult the relevant rules in the District Plan or speak with a Council Planning Officer.  The Bulk and Location information brochure (PDF, 117 KB) also provides detailed information of these rules.
The information provided below is in a summarised form and does not attempt to cover every possible scenario.  Answers to the following questions are provided below.

How high can I build on my property?
How close to the boundary can I build?
How much of my section can I build on?
What is the minimum section size for where I live?
What is the maximum height for fences where I live?

How high can I build on my property?

The maximum building heights vary according to each zone and also vary between dwellings and accessory buildings.

Maximum heights for buildings in the Residential, Proposed Greenbelt Residential and Rural zones in the Horowhenua
 
Residential Zones
Dwelling = 8.5 metres
Accessory building = 4.5 metres

Proposed Greenbelt Residential Zone
Dwelling = 8.5 metres
Accessory Building = 6.0 metres

Rural Zone
Dwelling = 10 metres
Accessory Building = 15 metres

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How close to the boundary can I build?

The setback distance for buildings varies according to the zone, the type of building and type of boundary.

The following minimum setback distances apply for buildings in the Residential, Proposed Greenbelt Residential and Rural zones in the Horowhenua

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How much of my section can I build on?

For the Residential zones and the proposed Greenbelt Residential zone the proportion of any site covered by buildings shall not exceed 35%.
Within the Rural zone there is currently no maximum site coverage.

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What is the minimum section size for where I live?

The minimum section size differs between zones and in some cases there are even different minimum section sizes in the same zone based on the type of development to be undertaken. 

The following table provides a summary of the minimum lot (section) sizes for properties within Horowhenua.

If you are uncertain of the zoning of your property view the Council planning maps or speak with a Council Planning Officer.

What is the maximum height for fences where I live?

In the Residential and proposed Greenbelt Residential zones the maximum height for a fence is 2.0 metres. 
In the Rural zone this is no maximum height specifically for fences, however any fence over 2 metres in height would be considered as a building and would need to comply with the rules for buildings including setback distances.

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