Open Space - Informal Recreation Zone — Auckland
Zone Purpose
The Open Space – Informal Recreation Zone applies to open spaces ranging from small local parks to large regional parks used for outdoor informal recreation activities and community uses (walking, running, cycling, relaxing, socialising, picnics, playing). These spaces often adjoin coasts, harbours, lakes, rivers and streams, and form part of Auckland's walkway and cycleway network. Buildings and structures are limited to those supporting informal recreation enjoyment and small-scale community buildings; larger spaces may include visitor information facilities and limited retail such as cafes.
Objectives
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Character and amenity | The open and spacious character, amenity values and any historic, Mana Whenua, and natural values of the zone are maintained |
| Predominant use | Informal recreation activities are the predominant use of the zone |
| Building limitation | Buildings and exclusive-use activities are limited to maintain public use and open space for informal recreation |
| Water-related facilities | Small-scale, informal land-based water-related recreational facilities are provided for while maintaining and enhancing public access to and along the coast |
Policies
| Policy | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Informal recreation activities | Provide for a variety of informal recreation activities, including small-scale community uses and accessory activities |
| Natural character | Maintain or enhance the natural character values of open spaces by retaining significant vegetation (where appropriate and practical) and through weed removal, new planting and landscaping |
| Mana Whenua recognition | Require development, including new buildings and structures, located near scheduled Sites or Places of Significance to Mana Whenua to recognise the relationship of Mana Whenua to the area |
| Building and structure limitation | Limit buildings, structures and activities to those necessary to enhance people's ability to use and enjoy the open space for informal recreation |
| Building and structure design | Locate and design buildings and structures to: complement the open and spacious character, function and amenity values of the zone; maintain public accessibility and minimise areas for exclusive use; and protect any natural or historic heritage values |
| Parking approach | Use the street network and internal roads for parking in preference to on-site parking, and where it is necessary to provide on-site vehicle access and parking, ensure the character of the zone is maintained |
| Activity intensity management | Manage the intensity of activities to minimise adverse effects such as noise, glare and traffic on the amenity values of the surrounding area |
| Coastal and water body adjacency | Limit activities and their associated facilities adjoining the coast or water bodies to those that have a functional or operational need for a coastal location |
| Coastal and water body protection | Avoid use and development in locations adjoining the coast or water bodies where they will have more than minor adverse effects on: public access; the visual amenity values of the coast and water bodies; areas of high natural or historic heritage value; or Mana Whenua values |
Building Standards
| Rule | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum building height | 8m | All buildings |
| Height in relation to boundary | Adjoining zone standard applies | Where open space directly adjoins a site in another zone |
| Front yard setback | 5m or average setback of adjacent buildings, whichever is lesser | From front boundary |
| Side and rear yards (residential/special purpose/Future Urban Zone adjacent) | 3m | From side and rear boundaries |
| Side and rear yards (business zone adjacent) | 0m | No setback required |
| Riparian yard | 10m | From edge of permanent and intermittent streams |
| Coastal protection yard | 20m | From mean high water springs |
| Gross floor area threshold | 100m² | Individual buildings (or 50m² within Churchill Park only) |
| Maximum site coverage | 10% | Cumulative total area of buildings |
| Maximum impervious area | Lesser of 10% or 5000m² | Stormwater management |
| Screening requirement | 1.8m high solid wall or fence | Outdoor storage/rubbish areas visible from residential zones, schools, rural zones, or business zones |
| Non-security floodlighting (up to 18m) | Permitted activity standards in Chapter E24 Lighting apply | Lighting fittings, supports and towers |
| Fences on front boundary (≥50% transparent) | Permitted activity | Front boundary fences |
| Maimais (game-bird hunting structures) | 10m² maximum area; 3m maximum height above mean high water springs or ground level | Erection, use, alteration, maintenance and demolition |
Permitted Activities
| Activity | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single workers' accommodation | P | Residential |
| Informal recreation | P | Community use |
| Information facilities | P | Accessory to permitted activity |
| Public amenities | P | Development |
| Recreation facilities | D | Community |
| Gardens (including botanic and community gardens) | P | Rural |
| Coastal navigational aids | P | Coastal |
| Conservation planting | P | Rural |
| Farming or grazing | P | As part of management programme |
| Customary use | P | Mana Whenua |
| Accessory buildings | P | Development |
| Artworks | P | Development |
| Demolition of buildings | P | Development |
| Internal additions and alterations to existing buildings | P | Development |
| External additions to existing buildings (complying with standards) | P | Development |
| Buildings for public amenities | P | Development |
| New buildings (complying with standards) | P | Development |
| Non-security floodlighting, fittings and towers (up to 18m high) | P | If meeting Chapter E24 standards |
| Fences on front boundary (≥50% transparent) | P | Development |
| Observation areas, viewing platforms and related structures | P | Development |
| Parks infrastructure | P | Development |
| Parks maintenance | P | Development |
| Recreational trails | P | Development |
Restricted Discretionary Activities
| Activity | Status | Matters of Discretion |
|---|---|---|
| Camping grounds | D | n/a |
| Visitor centres | D | n/a |
| Community centres and halls | D | n/a |
| Art galleries, arts and cultural centres | D | n/a |
| Clubrooms | D | n/a |
| Recreation facilities | D | n/a |
| Organised sport and recreation | RD | Intensity/scale/duration effects on informal recreation; effects on adjoining amenity; consistency with Reserve Management Plan |
| Markets | RD | Intensity/scale effects on recreational use and amenity; effects on public access; development design, external appearance, landscaping; scheduled historic heritage values; natural values (landform/vegetation); consistency with management plans |
| Restaurants and cafes (>50m from residential zone) | RD | Intensity/scale effects on recreational use and amenity; effects on public access; development design, external appearance, landscaping; scheduled historic heritage values; natural values; consistency with management plans |
| Restaurants and cafes (<50m from residential zone) | D | n/a |
| Retail accessory to permitted activity | P | Development |
| Parks depot, storage and maintenance | RD | Intensity/scale effects on residential amenity; effects on public access; development design, external appearance, landscaping; scheduled historic heritage values; natural values; consistency with management plans |
| Non-security floodlighting (>18m high) | RD | Amenity value effects on adjoining sites; hours of operation; height and scale of structure; consistency with management plans |
| Fences on front boundary (<50% transparent) | RD | Visibility effects on public space and safety; consistency with management plans |
| External additions to existing buildings (non-complying standards) | D | n/a |
| Retail not otherwise provided for | D | n/a |
Discretionary Activities
| Activity | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Activities not provided for | NC | Non-complying |
| Visitor accommodation (huts and lodges) | D | Residential |
| Education and research facilities directly related to the open space | P | Community |
| Grandstands | NC | Community |
| Construction of vehicle access and parking areas | D | Development |
| Jetties or boat ramps | D | Coastal |
Assessment Criteria — Restricted Discretionary Activities
Organised Sport and Recreation
| Criterion | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Informal recreation impact | Extent to which intensity, scale and duration will adversely affect informal recreational use and whether adverse effects can be remedied |