This week sees the Government’s Medium Density Housing Standards (MDRS) come into effect for all tier 1 cities across the country (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch). The MDRS enable up to three houses to be built three storeys high on most sections in medium density residential zones without needing resource consent, provided they comply with all other development rules and are not subject to an exemption.
Auckland Council is publicly notifying their changes today, 18 August, and at the same time Hamilton City Council will consider their related Plan Change 12 before it is released for public feedback. In Tauranga, Plan Change 33 which encompasses the new medium density provisions for the present suburban zones in Tauranga will be publicly notified on 20 August and open for submissions.
The 20 August deadline is not the end of the plan change process; submissions will be open for the public to provide their views, the changes will go through an Independent Hearing Panel, who will then make recommendations back to councils for the final decision.
If you would like to talk through how the MDHS may affect your land and development plans, or would like to work with us to put forward a submission, do reach out to our team – we’re here to help.
