Character Areas, previously known as Special Amenity Areas or SAMs, are areas in residential neighbourhoods that are distinctive from their surroundings and are considered to have a character worthy of retention.
The Christchurch District Plan includes character area overlays in 12 Christchurch locations as well as one each for Lyttelton and Akaroa.
Christchurch suburban character area design guides
The character overlays within Christchurch City have associated rules controlling works visible from the street or within the front yard setback and also where they involve changes to the building facades.
- CA1: Esplanade design guide [PDF, 1004 KB]
- CA2: Clifton design guide [PDF, 1.2 MB]
- CA3: Cashmere design guide [PDF, 746 KB]
- CA4: Beckenham Loop design guide [PDF, 842 KB]
- CA5: Tainui design guide [PDF, 1.7 MB]
- CA6: Piko design guide – The Character Area Overlay for this area is removed through the Minister’s decision on PC14 in December 2025
- CA7: Heaton design guide [PDF, 779 KB]
- CA8: Beverley design guide – The Character Area Overlay for this area is removed through Council decisions on PC14 in December 2024
- CA9: Ranfurly design guide – The Character Area Overlay for this area is removed through Council decisions on PC14 in September 2025
- CA10: Massey design guide [PDF, 1.8 MB]
- CA11: Malvern design guide [PDF, 686 KB]
- CA12: Severn design guide [PDF, 1.6 MB]
- CA13: Francis design guide [PDF, 768 KB]
- CA14: Dudley design guide [PDF, 761 KB]
- CA15: Englefield design guide [PDF, 726 KB]
Lyttelton and Akaroa character area design guides
Residential Character Areas are located in Akaroa and Lyttelton. The design guides identify the special qualities of these areas and corresponding design principles for anyone wishing to undertake development or make changes to properties within these Character Areas.
Within these areas resource consent is needed for external additions, alterations or demolition, as well as the erection of new buildings and the relocation of buildings onto a site.
- Akaroa design guide [PDF, 20 MB]
- Lyttelton design guide [PDF, 1.3 MB]
Chapter 14 Residential of the District Plan outlines the rules relating to Character Areas, or you can contact our Duty Planner for more information.
See also the schedule of heritage areas.
