Planning zones and rules

A property’s planning zone shows what activities and land uses are permitted. Before applying for building or resource consent, check the relevant planning map for your property, and use this information to find out what rules and restrictions apply.

The Christchurch District Plan defines areas (zones) for residential, commercial, rural or industrial activities, each with its own set of rules. The previous City and Banks Peninsula Plans contain provisions in relation to coastal hazards that are still in effect. All other rules are now found in the District Plan. 

The District Plan includes maps that show zone boundaries and where features within zones, such as flood management areas, character areas and other overlays, heritage buildings or protected trees etc, are located.

To check the zone and rules for your property:

1. Use the District Plan property search(external link) to find the maps, zones or features that relate to the property. 
2. Then view the District Plan(external link)(external link) to see the rules and find out whether what you want to do is permitted under the plan or if it requires a resource consent. 

Rules for specific activities and zones

• Planning rules for different project types: Resource consent activities. 
• Information about the Urban Intensification Areas introduced in 2025 around commercial centres and within the Central City to accommodate housing growth, and the type of housing that can be built there. 
• Guidance on some of the specific rules for the Medium Density and High Density Residential Zones [PDF, 724 KB].
• Multi-unit housing design guidance. 

Plan changes

From time to time, changes are made to the District Plan rules, maps and other provisions. Information about proposed and completed Plan Changes is available on our District Plan page.

The Housing and Business Choice Plan Change (PC14) has now been completed and the zoning changes have been integrated into the District Plan(external link). 

High Density Residential zoning was introduced around 10 commercial centres, and Medium Density Residential zoning around some 30 other commercial centres. Changes were also made to the commercial zones themselves. The balance of PC14 for the remaining areas of the city was withdrawn. More information is available on our PC14 page.

Please contact us on 03 941 8999 or email our duty planner if you have any queries about the District Plan zoning or the rules that apply.