L13 - Auckland Unitary Plan Overview

Introduction to the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP)

  • Objective of the Lecture: By the end, students will be able to:

    • Look up zone, precinct, and overlay of a property.

    • Check for streams, overland flow paths, and floodplains.

    • Find relevant activity tables and standards.

Overview of the Session

  • Topics Covered:

    • Structure of the AUP

    • Overview of Geomaps

    • Understanding objectives, policies, rules, standards, and assessment matters (Vertical Integration)

    • Relationship between AUP chapters (Horizontal Integration)

Structure of the AUP

  • The AUP refers to the Auckland Unitary Plan which integrates urban planning across the Auckland region.

  • Significance:

    • Unique to Auckland as NZ usually has separate regional and district plans.

    • Purpose is the integrated management of natural and built environments.

  • Composition:

    • Regional Policy Statement

    • Regional Plans

    • District Plan

  • Chapters Include:

    • Chapter A: Introduction

    • Chapter B: Regional Policy Statement

    • Chapter C: General Rules

    • Chapter D: Overlays

    • Chapter E: Auckland-wide Rules

    • Chapter F: Coastal Regulations

    • Chapter G: Rural Urban Boundary (RUB)

    • Chapter H: Zones

    • Chapter I: Precincts

    • Chapter J: Definitions

    • Chapter K: Designations

    • Chapter L: Schedules

    • Chapter M: Appendices

    • Chapter N: Glossary of Māori Terms

Chapter H - Zones

  • Definition: Zones are primary land use categories that dictate expected and allowed activities.

  • Examples of Zones:

    • Residential Zones (e.g. Mixed Housing Urban)

    • Business Zones (e.g. Metropolitan Centre)

    • Rural Zones (e.g. Rural Production)

    • Special Purpose Zones (e.g. Airports, Ports)

Chapter D - Overlays

  • Definition: Overlays are additional spatial layers applied to protect/managing specific values or risks.

  • Examples of Overlays:

    • Historic Heritage Overlay

    • Flood Plains Overlay

    • Outstanding Natural Features Overlay

  • Characteristics of Overlays:

    • Can apply across various zones and precincts.

    • Usually enforce more restrictive rules than zone provisions but can sometimes be more enabling.

Chapter I - Precincts

  • Definition: Precincts consist of site-specific planning rules reflecting unique characteristics or development aspirations.

  • Examples:

    • Wynyard Precinct

    • Sylvia Park Precinct

Chapter E – Auckland-wide

  • Structure: Typically includes:

    • Objectives & Policies

    • Activity Tables

    • Standards

    • Assessment Criteria

  • Importance of Integration (Vertical Integration):

    • Higher-level policies dictate lower-level assessment matters; understanding this hierarchy is crucial to navigating the AUP.

Exercises with Standards and Assessment Matters

  • For Mixed Housing Urban Zone Standards:

    • Standard H5.6.5: Height in Relation to Boundary

    • Relevant Objectives:

      • H5.2(2), H5.2(3)

    • Explanation: Ensures buildings respect neighboring sunlight and privacy.

    • Standard H5.6.12: Outlook Space

    • Relevant Objectives: H5.2(3)

    • Explanation: Supports internal amenity and prevents visual constraints.

    • Assessment Matter H5.8.1(2): Compliance with residential amenity objectives.

    • Assessment Criteria H5.8.2(e): Ensures design quality despite minor non-compliance.

Types of Standards in AUP

  1. Standards to be complied with: Must be adhered to for specific activities.

  2. Other standards: Not mandatory but provide guidance.

Working Across the AUP Chapters (Horizontal Integration)

  • Applications may trigger consents requiring consideration from many chapters beyond the primary zoning.

Geomaps Overview

  • Description: A GIS Viewer for Auckland providing spatial/non-spatial data.

  • Features of GeoMaps:

    • Check for properties, parks, and underground services.

    • Accessibility of data for public use, including support for Te Reo Māori.

Practical Applications (Scenarios)

Scenario 1 - 137 Simpson Road, Henderson Valley

  • Zone: Rural - Waitakere Foothills

  • Overlay: Natural Heritage

  • Conclusion: Requires resource consent due to non-compliant activities.

Scenario 2 - Durbin Court, Greenhithe

  • Zone: Residential – Single House

  • Issue: Minimum boundary set back not met (1m required).

Scenario 3 - Marguerita Place, West Harbour

  • Zone: Residential – Mixed Housing Suburban

  • Issue: Significant earthworks affecting SEA; consent and erosion control required.

Distinguishing Regional and District Rules

  • Regional rules marked with [rp]; district rules marked with no brackets.

  • Activity Tables specify: Activities under different statuses as outlined under the Resource Management Act 1991.