FAQs about business in small settlements

The draft changes could make it easier for a new business to set up, or for an existing one to change, in one of these townships. If a new business wanted to replace an existing business, it may be able do so without a resource consent as long as it meets certain standards, such as the requirement for its effects on traffic and residential character remaining comparable to the effects of the existing business.

Similarly if a new business wanted to set up on a property which is currently used as a home, it may also be able do so without a resource consent, as long as it meets certain rules.

It’s also important to note that having a home-based business is another option for a business to be established in a small settlement. For more information on how the current District Plan review affects home-based business see the factsheet Selwyn District Plan Review: Home-based business.

With the draft changes, we’re aiming to strike a balance between enabling businesses and protecting the look and feel of the neighbouring residential areas. The proposed policy overlay approach is preferable in smaller settlements since given how businesses are dispersed throughout established residential areas, business zoning wouldn’t be as effective as it would represent ‘spot zoning’. Spot zoning would also not be aligned with the draft National Planning Standards which seek a more uniform and coherent approach to how land is zoned. Policy overlay on the other hand gives certainty to both the landowner and adjacent properties as to the recognition and provision of business activity on the site.

The overlay would not remove existing use rights, it would just make it easier for a business to operate and potentially grow without having to go through the process of proving their lawful existing use rights. At the same time properties next to a business would have greater certainty about what could be established on the same site and what rules the business needs
to comply with.

There are different options for businesses to establish in other townships which have business-zoned land. One option is to
set up a home-based business. For more information on how the current District Plan review affects home-based business
see the factsheet Selwyn District Plan Review: Home-based business.

For more information about the Council’s preferred option for draft changes to business in small settlements, 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.