FAQs about family flats

In residential zones it is recommended that the maximum floor area of 70m2 is kept, while in the Rural Zone it’s recommended to increase it to 90m2.

Currently the maximum gross floor area of permitted family flats in the District Plan is 70m2. However, for those family flats where resource consent has been required, the average floor area is 90m2. The majority of the oversized family flats consented were in the Rural Zone (Inner Plains), which gives support to a larger floor area being considered within the Rural Zone.

We are considering removing the requirement that only family members can live in a family flat, to allow family flats to be used by a wider range of people in need of a small dwelling. This also acknowledges that the current occupancy restriction is difficult to enforce.

The District Plan doesn’t determine the rates and Development Contributions. Rates are set through the Council’s Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes, while Development Contributions are set by the Development Contributions Policy.

Currently properties with a family flat already have to pay partial additional rates for the flat, although these are generally less than for the main dwelling. Development Contributions are a one-off fee that a landowner may have to pay when building to help cover the Council’s cost for sewerage, water, stormwater, reserves and transport. Currently a Development Contribution is required for any new dwelling, including family flats. The charges vary depending on location, and small dwellings, such as family flats, receive a discount.

Any changes to current rates and Development Contributions as a result of potential changes to the current District Plan will be considered by the Council through future Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes.

For more information about the Council’s preferred option for draft changes to family flats and all the work done to date as part of the review visit Council website where all the reports developed for the District Plan Review are kept.