The District Plan is the rulebook for how land can be used. It applies to every property in the city, and provides the blueprint for how Porirua will grow. It also sets out how we will look after the things in our city that we value. We therefore encourage you to take this opportunity to help shape Porirua’s future.
The Proposed District Plan (PDP) was notified on 28 August 2020 (use Google Chrome for best results)
The Government has directed all councils to change their district plans to enable 3-storey (medium density) houses in all residential areas, and to identify parts of the city where even taller (high density) buildings can be built. We’ve done this by notifying Variation 1 to the Proposed District Plan and Plan Change 19 to the Operative District Plan on 11 August 2022. You can view these here:
You can also send your completed submission form to:
For more background information on these changes please view our Variation 1 and Plan Change 19 webpage and key topics and supporting information.
Submissions are now open until 5pm Monday 12 September 2022.
The Medium Density Residential Standards in Part 2 of Schedule 3A to the RMA have immediate legal effect in the Medium Density Residential Zone and High Density Residential Zone. The exception to this is on sites that are subject to a qualifying matter, or are located in a new residential zone.
To assist plan users, Council has prepared the following guidance which applies from 11 August 2022 until decisions are notified in 2023: Transitional Guidance on the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS)
We understand that RMA processes can be a little daunting so a 'friend of the submitter', Emily Bayliss, will be available throughout the submission period to assist submitters. Emily will continue to be available to help submitters in the lead-up to the hearings.
Emily is a qualified planner who is fully independent and has had no involvement in developing the Proposed District Plan. A brief introduction from Emily is available here.
To contact Emily please email [email protected] or phone 021 532 284.
The Friend of Submitters service is provided by the Council to remove barriers and foster participation in the Proposed District Plan.
You may also want to check out this guidance note the Government has recently released: guidance note on making submissions under the Amendment Act.
Hearings on the PDP commenced in late September 2021. For all hearing-related information please visit our Hearings Portal.
The Proposed District Plan is a complex document and we would welcome the opportunity to help you understand it. If you would like to talk to a member of our friendly planning team please email or call us on: [email protected] or call 04 237 5089.
