What is the maximum height in the Open Space, Far North?

8m above ground level. This is a summary of the Far North district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the height in relation to boundary in the Open Space, Far North?

55° recession plane at 2m above ground level (north); 45° (east/west); 35° (south). This is a summary of the Far North district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the building or structure coverage in the Open Space, Far North?

8% or 800m² whichever is lesser. This is a summary of the Far North district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the setback from boundaries (general) in the Open Space, Far North?

1.2m minimum. This is a summary of the Far North district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the setback from road boundary in the Open Space, Far North?

3m minimum. This is a summary of the Far North district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the setback from mhws in the Open Space, Far North?

26m minimum. This is a summary of the Far North district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

Open Space — Far North

Building Standards

Rule	Value	Notes
Maximum height	8m above ground level	Excludes solar/water heating (0.5m), chimneys (1.2m × 1m), satellite dishes/aerials (1m), architectural features (1m)
Height in relation to boundary	55° recession plane at 2m above ground level (north); 45° (east/west); 35° (south)	Excludes solar/water heating, chimneys, satellite dishes, architectural features
Building or structure coverage	8% or 800m² whichever is lesser	Of gross site area
Setback from boundaries (general)	1.2m minimum	Excludes fences ≤2m and uncovered decks ≤0.5m
Setback from road boundary	3m minimum	Excludes fences ≤2m and uncovered decks ≤0.5m
Setback from MHWS	26m minimum	From mean high water springs
Impermeable surface coverage	10% or 1000m² whichever is lesser	Requires stormwater management report if exceeded at controlled activity threshold

Permitted Activities

Activity	Status
New building or structure; extension or alteration to existing building or structure	Permitted when complies with all standards (OSZ-S1 through OSZ-S5) and accommodates permitted activity
Impermeable surface coverage	Permitted at ≤10% or 1000m² (whichever lesser) of site area
Conservation activity	Permitted
Maintenance of tracks	Permitted
Vegetation planting	Permitted
Recreation activity	Permitted
Park management activity	Permitted
Customary activity	Permitted
Sport and recreation facility	Permitted
Community facility	Permitted

Restricted Discretionary Activities

Activity	Status	Matters of Discretion
New building or structure; extension or alteration	RDA	Character and amenity of surrounding area; dominance in relation to road and adjoining sites; loss of privacy; shading/loss of sunlight; landscaping; natural hazard mitigation
Impermeable surface coverage (10–15% or 1000–1500m²)	RDA	Landscaping/vegetation to reduce run-off; stormwater control effectiveness; land availability for effluent/stormwater disposal; Low Impact Design use; cumulative catchment effects; natural hazard mitigation; cultural/spiritual/heritage/amenity values of waterbodies
Educational facility	RDA
Visitor accommodation	RDA
Camping ground	RDA
Commercial activity	RDA
Residential activity	RDA
Activities not otherwise listed	RDA

Assessment Criteria for Non-Complying Activities

Activity	Matters for Consideration
Noise breach	Character, level, and duration of noise at boundary; hours of operation; effectiveness of mitigation measures
Stormwater/impermeable surfaces	Total catchment impermeability; Low Impact Design principles; cumulative effects; building site coverage impact on natural contour/drainage; soil type; land availability for effluent/stormwater; necessity of impermeable surfaces; landscaping effectiveness; stormwater runoff mitigation to permitted threshold
Setback from boundaries	Character and form consistency with street; intrusion into street scene; impact on privacy/outlook; visibility for vehicle manoeuvring; mitigation ability (planting); impact on esplanade reserves/coastal marine areas

Infrastructure & Services

Rule	Value	Notes
Stormwater management	Low Impact Design principles required	To reduce site impermeability and run-off velocity
Water storage	On-site provision to be investigated	Council investigating introduction of bylaws requiring storage in coastal environment

Other Standards

Rule	Value	Notes
Building envelope	May be approved under resource consent	Permits controlled activity classification for alterations within approved envelope
Development bonus	Up to 20% additional open space/impermeable surface or increased Scale of Activities	Where landscape/features/areas protected or revegetated; covenant required on title

Notes:

Open Space Zone accommodates varied passive and active recreation activities, customary activities, and compatible community facilities
Zone interfaces require consideration of setbacks, fencing, screening, landscaping, and potential conflicts with adjacent zones
Activities must be consistent with natural, ecological, historic heritage, and cultural values
All activities must comply with relevant district-wide rules in Part 3 of the plan
Integrated development provisions exist for Māori freehold land, Māori customary land, and Crown land reserved for Māori