Building or altering multi-unit housing developments

Special resource consent rules can apply to properties with two or more houses on them – these are known as "multi-unit developments".

How it works

Depending on where you live, having more than three dwellings on your property might make it a "multi-unit development". This includes apartment buildings, townhouses, and properties with self-contained units.

A multi-unit development is:

  • any development that will result in four or more residential units on a site, excluding retirement villages and residential development within the Oriental Bay Height Precinct.

Note: In the Medium and High Density Residential Areas, you are allowed up to three residential units on your site without needing resource consent. However, resource consent will be required if the dwellings do not comply with the relevant Rules and Standards in the District Plan – for example, building height, building coverage.

Check which activity area your property is in

To find out which rules apply to you, enter your address into our ePlan and check the zoning under the Map Legend.

ePlan – our District Plan online

Resource consents for multi-unit developments

You need a resource consent if you plan to:

  • build a new multi-unit development – for example, building four or more townhouses on a single site
  • add a self-contained house or unit that will result in the creation of a multi-unit development on a site
  • do alterations to the inside of a house that will create an additional unit(s) on the property.

Applying for a resource consent

We recommend you meet with us before you apply for your resource consent to discuss your plans and get some advice.

Getting help with a building project

Resource consents

Contact us

The Resource Consents team is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Phone: 04 801 3590

Email: planning@wcc.govt.nz