Bright minds and big ideas bring innovation and vitality to the Central City, and a unique set of planning rules keep us all on the same page.
The Christchurch District Plan and the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan provide the Central City development framework.
Both plans have a strong retail and commercial focus. They support an increase in Central City housing within an increasingly green and accessible setting, supported by effective infrastructure.
Plan Change 14 (PC14) has unlocked more opportunities for growth. Further decisions are required by the end of 2025. For more details, see the PC14 webpage(external link).
Here's what makes the Central City unique:
Under the Christchurch District Plan, residential development can occur throughout Central City.
The District Plan allows for a higher density of residential development in the Central City than elsewhere in Christchurch, with a combination of residential neighbourhoods and areas that can have a mix of uses within close proximity of one another, on the same site or within the same building.
With these differences in neighbourhoods in mind, there are a number of Central City planning and design requirements you'll need to take into consideration when scoping and designing your development.
Here's a summary of the key planning and design matters - but for more detail, refer to the District Plan(external link) or get in touch with the Council's duty planner at dutyplanner@ccc.govt.nz. Urban designers and an eco-design advisor are also available for advice.
At least one residential unit per 200 square metres is required within the Central City Residential Zone (equivalent to 50 residential units per hectare).
For all other zones in Central City, there is no minimum residential site density requirement. Instead, the density of residential development is shaped by the combination of great design and the relevant built form standards, including outdoor living, landscaping and minimum net floor area requirements.
What needs to be provided:
What to consider and provide:
Provision must be made for cycle parking for all residential units but on-site parking is not required.
How can we help?
Have questions, need guidance or can't find what you're looking for about building by the rules? Get in touch with our duty planner at dutyplanner@ccc.govt.nz