How close can I build to my boundary?

The District Plan sets out rules for how close to your boundary you may build. This is to protect the character of an area and privacy of your neighbours.

These rules are collectively called boundary setbacks. Different boundary setbacks apply depending on your zoning.

In some zones, buildings must be located a minimum distance from site boundaries. In other zones the distance is also determined by the building's height. This is called a height in relation to boundary rule.

Other setback rules may also apply to your property. For example, how close you can build to rivers, gravel roads, forestry, and other buildings.

Boundary setbacks for permitted activities (activities that do not require a consent) in the rural and residential zones are shown in the table below:

Zone	Minimum Building Setback from Boundary	Height in Relation to Boundary Rule
Rural Production	All boundaries - 8 metres	Not Applicable
Rural Lifestyle	Road boundary – 10 metres Other boundaries – 3 metres	All boundaries - 3 metres + 45 degrees
Settlement - Centre	Road Boundary – 2 metres Boundary to a site with a residential unit – 3 metres	Boundary to a site with a residential unit - 3 metres + 45 degrees Other boundaries - Nil
Settlement - Residential	Road Boundary – 4.5 metres Other boundaries – 3 metres, except that one boundary setback may be 1.5 metres	All boundaries - 3 metres + 45 degrees
Settlement - Industry	Road Boundary – 4.5 metres Other boundaries - Nil	Boundary to non-Settlement Zone Industry Sub-Zone - 3 metres + 45 degrees Other boundaries – Nil
Future Urban	Boundary to right of way or common access – 6 metres Boundary to indicative roads identified on the District Plan Maps – 30 metres All other boundaries – 10 metres	Not applicable
Strategic Rural Industries	Different rules apply depending on where in this zone the activity is located. Refer SRIZ-R5.	Different rules apply depending on where in this zone the activity is located. Refer SRIZ-R6.
Large Lot Residential	Road boundary – 20 metres Other boundaries - Nil	All boundaries - 3 metres + 45 degrees
Low Density Residential	Road boundary – 4.5 metres Other boundaries - 3 metres, except that one boundary setback may be 2 metres	Road boundary - Nil Other boundaries - 3 metres + 45 degrees
General Residential	Road boundary – 3 metres Other boundaries – 1.5 metres Some exceptions to these rules apply – Refer GRZ-R4	Road Boundary – Nil Other boundaries - 3 metres + 45 degrees Some exceptions to these rules apply – Refer GRZ-R5.
Medium Density Residential	Road Boundary – 2 metres Other boundaries – 1 metre Some exceptions to these rules apply – Refer MRZ-R4	Road Boundary – Nil Other boundaries - 3 metres + 45 degrees Some exceptions to these rules apply – Refer MRZ-R5.

To find out more about how to apply the rules to your property you can make an appointment with the Duty Planner or make an online enquiry.

If your building is closer to a boundary than is allowed in your zone, and this is the only rule you are breaking, you may be able to apply for a special consent called a deemed permitted boundary activity.

To qualify your neighbour with the affected boundary will need to provide their written approval, prior to making the application.

Apply for a deemed permitted boundary activity

This does not apply if you are building close to a public boundary. In this case, you will need a land use consent.

Apply for a land use consent

Disclaimer

The information on this page provides an indication of District Plan rules which frequently apply to what you can do with your property. They are not a comprehensive list of all rules that might apply to a particular use or development.

The District Plan should be referred to in all cases for a comprehensive list of applicable rules.

Whangārei ePlan

Enquiries

Use our online form to get help understanding the boundary setback rules.

Enquire online

Phone: 09 430 4200