District Plan - Introduction

The Council is required to prepare a District Plan under the Resource Management Act 1991. The District Plan is the primary document that manages land use and development within the Wellington City Council's territorial boundaries. It contains rules that may affect you if you are making a development or land use proposal.

District Plan Effectiveness Report

In March 2006, the Council completed a two-year study into the effectiveness of the District Plan's built environment rules. The study found that Wellington’s District Plan has been successful in promoting a contained city and preventing urban sprawl.

The results of the study are compiled in 'Shaping Up 2006: District Plan Effectiveness Report'. The report covers urban growth and development, urban design, the quality and character of neighbourhoods, heritage protection, noise levels, and mixed use.

A follow-up study, concentrating on the natural environment issues within the District Plan, is to begin in late 2006.

Shaping Up 2006: District Plan Effectiveness Report (971Kb PDF)

District Plan Objectives

The key objectives of the district plan are to:

• generally contain development within the established edges of the city
• encourage more intensive development within existing residential areas
• maintain a high standard for having pleasant residential areas
• encourage non-residential activities (such as schools and shops) within residential areas
• protect and enhance character areas
• improve the quality of multi-unit housing
• improve the quality of subdivision design and development

The Plan’s Three Volumes

• Volume 1: Objectives, Policies and Rules – covers each geographic area specified in the plan, including descriptions of each area’s character.
• Volume 2: Design Guides - offers guidelines for developments of particular types (such as multi-unit housing) or on particular sites (such as within institutional precincts or specific character areas). This volume also contains suggested guidelines relating to design against crime and wind.
• Volume 3: Maps – specifies the areas within the city where particular policies or rules apply.

Hard copies of the District Plan are available for viewing at the Council Service Centre and at all Wellington City Public Libraries.

The District Plan Team reviews and makes changes to the District Plan. For further information email District Plan or phone (04) 499 4444.

Related Links

• News Release
• Shaping Up 2006: District Plan Effectiveness Report (971Kb PDF)
• Resource Consents

Department Details:
District Plan