Design guides and guidelines produced by the Council.
Central City lanes plan [PDF, 1.5 MB]
Character areas are areas in residential neighbourhoods that are distinctive from their surroundings and are considered to have a character worthy of retention.
Creating safer communities [PDF, 3.8 MB]
Exploring new housing choices [PDF, 31 MB]
Integrated planning guide [PDF, 3.3 MB]
This guide prepared by the Greater Christchurch Partnership can help planning healthy, resilient and sustainable communities.
It’s a thinking tool including helpful prompts and tips, to encourage people to consider the full range of sustainable development outcomes.
Large buildings in lower density living zones [PDF, 274 KB]
To offer more housing choices and help meet the needs of a growing population, multi-unit housing has become a common feature in our neighbourhoods.
The first release of the design guidance includes the introduction, a pre-guidance chapter, and the first five topics of Chapter 1.
Sumner Village Centre design guidelines [PDF, 2.4 MB]
Related news
Christchurch withdraws from further housing intensification
Christchurch’s bid to opt out of further housing intensification has been accepted.
10 Nov 2025
News in brief from the Council meeting
Public transport improvements on Lincoln Road and Plan Change exemptions - here are the key decisions made during today's Christchurch City Council meeting.
10 Sep 2025
New process for subdivision approvals
Christchurch City Council is working on a new process to ensure subdivisions have all the appropriate approvals before starting construction.
30 Apr 2025