Rural Residential

District plan rules for the Rural Residential in Far North, New Zealand.

Summarised from the Far North District Plan. This is a summary compiled from the council's published plan, not the plan itself — and not legal or planning advice. Always verify against the council's official document before relying on any figure, and check whether a more recent plan change applies.

Rural Residential — Far North

Zone Purpose

The Rural Living Zone (also referred to as Rural Residential in proposed plan) provides for low-density residential development on the urban periphery where existing subdivision patterns have created a semi-urban character. Residential activities must be compatible with adjacent rural production activities.

Environmental Outcomes Expected

  • Residential living on small rural lots compatible with rural production activities
  • High standard of privacy and amenity for residential activities
  • Activities self-sufficient in water supply, sewerage and drainage without adverse environmental effects
  • Transition between residential and rural zones with managed effects

Objectives

  • Achieve compatible development style on urban periphery
  • Provide low-density residential development where more intense development would cause adverse effects
  • Protect special amenity values of Kerikeri Road frontage (between SH10 and urban edge)

Policies

  • Achieve transition between residential and rural zones through effects management
  • Ensure sufficient land per household unit for outdoor space and on-site effluent disposal (where no reticulated sewerage)
  • Provide for diverse housing types and forms of accommodation
  • Allow home-based employment opportunities
  • Ensure adequate access to sunlight and daylight
  • Scale and intensity of activities other than single residential unit must be commensurate with single residential unit effects
  • Control activities with effects greater than single residential unit to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on adjacent activities
  • Ensure reasonable privacy for inhabitants of adjoining buildings
  • For Kerikeri Road frontage (SH10 to Cannon Drive): maintain built form as small scale, set back from road, inconspicuous, in harmony with landscape plantings and shelter belts

Noise Standards

StandardLimitLocation
General noise55 dB LAeq (15min)At notional boundary of noise sensitive activities in Rural Residential zone (7am–10pm)
General noise40 dB LAeq (15min)At notional boundary of noise sensitive activities in Rural Residential zone (10pm–7am)
General noise (maximum impulse)75 dB LAFmaxAt notional boundary of noise sensitive activities in Rural Residential zone (10pm–7am)
Aircraft engine testing55 dB LAeq (9 hours)Within General Residential, Rural Production, Rural Lifestyle or Rural Residential zones (7am–10pm)
Aircraft engine testing45 dB LAeq (9 hours) and 75 dB LAmaxWithin General Residential, Rural Production, Rural Lifestyle or Rural Residential zones (10pm–7am), with exception of 12 nights per calendar year allowing 50 dB LAeq and 75 dB LAmax
Helicopter landing areas50 dB LdnWhen measured at notional boundary of noise sensitive activity (NZS 6807:1994 compliance)

Matters of discretion for noise non-compliance: ambient noise levels and special character noise from existing activities; nature and character of sound changes at receiving site; compatibility with surrounding activities; type, scale and location of activity relative to noise sensitive activities; hours of operation and duration; temporary or permanent nature of effects; ability to internalise and minimise conflict; effects on existing noise sensitive activities; mitigation proposed per best practicable option approach (site layout, design, structures, equipment, timing).

Noise Insulation Standards

StandardRequirement
Noise insulation for noise sensitive activitiesMaximum internal noise limit of 40 dB LAeq(24h) in habitable rooms of new buildings or alterations within 40m of State Highways exceeding 15,000 daily one-way vehicle movements
Design complianceAcoustic design certificate from qualified acoustic engineer required prior to construction
Future traffic allowanceExisting noise level plus 2 dB addition for future traffic increase
Ventilation designHVAC design noise levels and ventilation design certificate required where external design noise exceeds 55 dB LAeq(24h)

Stock and Livestock Buildings Standards

RuleSetback
Stock holding and feeding areas, milking sheds, buildings to house or feed stock30m from any boundary; OR 100m from boundary of land zoned General Residential, Mixed Use, Settlement, Māori Purpose-Urban, or Rural Residential
Stock and livestock buildingsAt least 100m from residential units on adjoining site under separate ownership

Matters of discretion: privacy of adjoining sites; scale and bulk of buildings; odour; noise, disturbance and loss of privacy effects on adjoining sites; number and types of animals; method of effluent management and disposal; likely presence of vermin; frequency and nature of management and supervision; landscaping or screening.

Permitted Activities

An activity is permitted in the Rural Residential Zone if it complies with all applicable zone rules and Part 3 District Wide Provisions (including Chapter 12 Natural and Physical Resources, Chapter 13 Subdivision, Chapter 14 Financial Contributions, Section 15.1 Traffic Parking and Access, Chapter 16 Signs and Lighting, Chapter 17 Designations and Utility Services).

Note: Activities permitted under zone rules may require resource consent if non-compliant with Part 3 rules. Rules 15.2.5.1.1 & 15.2.5.1.2 (Chapter 15.2 Airports) may affect permitted status based on proximity to Kaitaia, Kerikeri, and Kaikohe Airport protection surfaces and runways.

Infrastructure Requirements

  • Residential activities must have sufficient land for outdoor space
  • Where reticulated sewerage system not provided: sufficient land for on-site effluent disposal required
  • Activities must be self-sufficient in water supply, sewerage and drainage
  • Council maintains discretion over new connections to sewerage system to ensure treatment plant discharge quality standards not compromised (Rule 13.7.3.5)

Kerikeri Road Frontage Special Controls

For buildings and activities on sites with frontage to Kerikeri Road between SH10 and Cannon Drive:

  • Built form must be maintained small in scale
  • Must be set back from road
  • Must be relatively inconspicuous
  • Must be in harmony with landscape plantings and shelter belts
  • Specific requirements for building setbacks, landscape planting, vehicle parking and vehicle access apply

Other zones in Far North