District Plan

District Planning Information

In this section

Overview

The Timaru District Plan (District Plan) was approved by the Timaru District Council on 22 February 2005 and was deemed to be operative on 8 March 2005. The purpose of the Timaru District Plan (District Plan) is to enable the Council to carry out its functions under the Resource Management Act 1991.

The District Plan determines resource management issues, objectives, policies, methods and rules which control and manage the development of the District over the next 10 years. The District Plan zones the District and regulates what can be built or developed within these zones.

How to use the District Plan

The Timaru District Plan is made up of two volumes:

  • Volume One contains the Issues, Objectives, Policies, Methods and Rules including the Zone Rules and General Rules as well as the definitions.
  • Volume Two contains the District Plan maps, keys and schedules.

When using the District Plan, the starting point is the identification of the site on the District Plan maps. Here, it can be determined what zone or zones the proposed activity falls within.

The next step is to determine what status an activity has in the relevant zone. To find out what activities each zone provides for, turn to Part D of Volume One and locate the appropriate zone. Part D (6) contains General Rules, which may also apply to the activity proposed.

Each zone provides for different activities as either:

ActivityDefinition
PermittedA permitted activity is allowed 'as of right' subject to complying with the standards of the District Plan. A permitted activity does not require you to apply for a resource consent.
ControlledCouncil must grant consent if you apply for a controlled activity unless it has insufficient information to determine whether or not the activity is a controlled activity. Council may grant consent subject to conditions that must be complied with. These conditions may only be imposed when they relate to matters specified in the plan.
Restricted DiscretionaryCouncil may grant or decline consent for a restricted discretionary activity. If granted, conditions may only relate to matters specified in the plan.
DiscretionaryCouncil can grant or decline an application for a discretionary activity. If granted, it can impose conditions in relation to any matter that helps to control any of the activities potential adverse effects.
Non-complyingCouncil can only grant an application for a non-complying activity if its adverse effects are more than minor, or if it is contrary to the plan's objectives and policies. If it grants consent, Council can impose conditions in relation to any matter that helps to control the activity's potential adverse effects

If your activity is not provided for at all within the zone, it will most likely be classified as a non-complying activity.

Last updated: 20 Dec 2018