New Housing Rules

MDRS – what is it? And how does it affect you?

The Government has moved to speed up their National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) by introducing a Bill into Parliament. This requires Councils in the main urban areas (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch) to amend their planning documents by adopting Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS).

The medium density residential standards (MDRS) will set seven building requirements to enable development and must be incorporated into RMA plans for current and future residential.The requirements will enable landowners to build up to three houses of up to three storeys on their site as of right on most sites. This includes alterations to existing buildings. In many cases, these standards will have legal effect when plans are notified by August 2022, immediately enabling new supply.

Most significantly, these standards will apply to all residential zones (subject to limited exceptions where this level of intensification is not considered appropriate for a variety of reasons). The impact on our urban environments and the people living there is enormous.

There is divided opinion on the merits and workability of these provisions, but also in contention is the rapid adoption of these measures and the short time frame provided for submissions to the bill. I am sure there will be heated debate as this matter progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine whether my property is affected by the new housing rules?

The impact of the new housing rules depends on your property's zoning, location, and any applicable planning overlays or constraints. Our team can review your property and explain how the current planning framework applies to your situation.

Will the new housing rules affect the value or future use of my property?

Changes to planning regulations can influence development opportunities and how land is used over time. We can assess your property's development potential and help you understand the opportunities and limitations that may arise.

What should I consider before planning a multi-unit residential development?

Factors such as site layout, infrastructure capacity, access, servicing requirements, and planning controls should all be evaluated before proceeding. We can help identify key considerations and assess the feasibility of your project.

Can Birch help me navigate changing planning requirements?

Yes. Our planning, surveying, and engineering teams stay informed on regulatory changes and can provide guidance on how current and future planning rules may affect your development plans.