We want to make a change to the Whakatāne District Plan (our 'rule book') so we can better manage flood risk to buildings. We want to know what you think before we make any changes.
- What's happening?
We're seeking community input on Plan Change 4 (PC4): Building Platform Level. The proposed amendment to the Whakatāne District Plan aims to better manage flood risk to buildings and simplify the consenting process. Improvements have been identified for the way in which the rule is applied.
- What's the purpose of the current rule?
The purpose of the current rule is to manage flood risk and help keep buildings dry; however improvements have been identified for the way in which the rule is applied.
- What changes are proposed?
The proposed amendment to the Whakatāne District Plan aims to better manage flood risk to buildings and simplify the consenting process.
Plan Change 4 proposes the following key changes:
- Modify the wording of the existing rule so piled foundations can be used to raise building platform levels.
- Simplify the process for adding small extensions to buildings and build attached garages below the predicted flood level.
- The need to apply for a resource consent for any building where the predicted flood level exceeds 300mm in depth.
- Why are we doing this?
We have identified that the rule in our rule book that manages flood risk is not working as well as it should be and we believe we have made changes that will improve it. The changes proposed by Plan Change 4 aim to make the District Plan’s flood management framework more effective and user-friendly while maintaining necessary safety and flood risk mitigation standards.
- What does this all mean?
This change is called Plan Change 4 and we want to:
- Change the wording of the existing rule to allow a range of building foundation types to be used.
- Make it easier to add small additions to buildings and build attached garages below the flood level.
- Better protect buildings and its occupants by requiring resource consent whenever the predicted flood level is over 300mm in depth.
- How can I have my say?
The summary of submissions will be available, and further submissions will be sought from 23 May 2025 until 11 June 2025.
Have your say
The summary of submissions will be available, and further submissions will be sought from 23 May 2025 until 11 June 2025.
Supporting documents
To view the supporting documents, visit our Kōrero mai webpage.