What a zone tells you
Every property in Auckland has a zone in the Auckland Unitary Plan, the council’s rulebook for land use. The zone sets how many homes you can build without resource consent, how high you can build, and how close to the boundaries.
On top of the zone, some properties have overlays that add protections, such as for character villas, heritage buildings, protected trees or volcano views. These can stop you demolishing, extending or subdividing even when the zone would allow it.
Read Auckland zones explained for each residential zone in detail.
Proposed changes to housing rules
Auckland Council is consulting on changes to residential zoning (Plan Change 120) to allow more homes near town centres and public transport. Some places keep stricter rules because of what the law calls qualifying matters, such as flood risk, heritage or limits on water and wastewater pipes.
Where the council has published a proposal for an address, the check shows it. Proposed rules can change before they take effect.
Check everything for one address, free
Flooding, the coast, land stability, zoning, planning rules and school zones, on one page. The full report with what to do next is $29.
See a sample reportBefore you plan to build
- Check the zone and any overlays (this tool).
- Read the record of title for covenants, easements and consent notices, which can limit building more than the zone does.
- Check for hazards that affect building consents, such as flood plains and overland flow paths.
- Talk to a planner or architect before you buy if your plans depend on subdividing or adding a home.
Questions
Can I build a second home on my section?
It depends on the zone, the size and shape of the section, and any overlays. Mixed Housing zones allow up to three homes without resource consent if other rules are met. A planner can confirm what’s possible.
What is resource consent?
Council permission to do something the planning rules don’t allow as of right. It costs money and takes time, and can be declined.
Where does the zoning data come from?
Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan maps and its published Plan Change 120 property summaries.