District Plan zones in Horowhenua
Monday, 23 May 2011
What is zoning?
Zoning is a planning tool that involves identifying zones on the District Planning maps. The different zones provide for different activities to occur in each particular location.
The Horowhenua District Plan contains the following zones:
- Rural
- Residential 1, 2, 3 or 4
- Industrial
- Commercial 1 or 2
- Greenbelt Residential
For each zone, the Horowhenua District Plan has a set of rules which set out what activities or development can occur as of right without needing additional planning permission (resource consent). The rules address a wide range of matters such as building heights, noise, fence heights and property size. The rules will often vary between the zones. For example the distance that buildings need to be built from the boundary is much greater in the Rural zone than it is in the Residential zones.
Why is zoning important?
Zoning is used to keep compatible uses together. It is the reason why houses are usually located together in the same location and industrial businesses are usually together in a different location.
Other uses may also be present within a zone, for example in the Residential zone. Although it is generally made up of residential houses, there will be a limited number of non-residential activities that may also occur such as dairies, small businesses run from home and childcare facilities.
Zoning influences not only how you can use your property and what activities you may undertake, but it also protects your interests by controlling what your neighbours can do on their property.
Can I change my zoning?
Yes, you can apply to have your zoning changed. Usually this involves making an application to Council for a private change to the District Plan. This can be a costly and time consuming exercise, particularly if your neighbours are not supportive of your proposed change.
District Plan Review
The Council is currently reviewing the District Plan. This project involves reviewing the existing zones and determining whether the existing zone is still the most appropriate zone for each property. The cost of this process is borne by the Council, with any proposed changes being publicly notified as part of the Proposed District Plan. When assessing a change in zoning, consideration will be given to the zoning of the surrounding properties, with Council reserving the right to make the final decision.
The Council is looking for situations where the current zoning of a property or an area may no longer be appropriate. The zoning may no longer be appropriate if
- The use of the site is very different to the uses of the surrounding properties
- The property is no longer used in the way it was historically used
- A resource consent has been successfully obtained to carry out a particular activity on the site
- There has been considerable development or subdivision on adjoining properties.
If my property is rezoned, will it affect the rates I pay?
Many people mistakenly assume that if their property is rezoned that their rates will automatically increase. The rezoning of land under the District Plan does not of itself have a direct effect on rates. The actual rezoning would not alter the rates paid however if the development opportunities that the rezoning presents, are taken up, then in time it can be reasonably expected that the rates will reflect the nature of the development undertaken.
Rates in relation to services such as water and sewer are related to the provision of the service.
How to find out the zone of your property
The easiest way to confirm the current zoning of your property is to contact the Council and ask. The Council officers will check the District Plan maps for you and confirm your zoning.
You can check the District Plan maps yourself on our District Plan page.
What do I need to do if I think my property should be rezoned?
If you think that your property should be rezoned, you are invited to contact the Council and provide details of your property. Contact:
David McCorkindale
Horowhenua District Council
Private Bag 4002, Levin 5540
Ph: 06 366 0999
Email:
districtplan@horowhenua.govt.nz