Is your development site affected by Auckland’s new natural hazard rules?
Many property owners and smaller-scale developers are discovering that the Plan Change 120 (PC120) natural hazard overlays are now influencing development potential, resource consent requirements, project costs, and approval pathways.
To help make sense of these changes, Cato Bolam’s Planning Manager, Kaaren Joubert, and Senior Planner, Chanelle Brodie, have recorded a free webinar that breaks down what PC120 means in practical terms and how the new rules are being applied on the ground.
What you’ll learn
In this practical discussion, Kaaren and Chanelle cover:
- What Auckland Council considers a natural hazard
- The natural hazards addressed by PC120, including flooding, coastal hazards, landslide risk, and wildfire susceptibility
- When natural hazard provisions can trigger a resource consent requirement
- How to identify whether your property is affected using Auckland Council’s mapping tools
- The types of development activities most commonly impacted
- What information and specialist reports may be required to support an application
- How natural hazard considerations are influencing resource consent approval pathways
The webinar focuses on the real-world implications for Auckland landowners and developers, helping you understand where risks may arise and what steps can be taken early in the planning process.
Get the webinar link!
Fill in the form below and the recording will be sent directly to your inbox.
Why this matters
Natural hazard overlays now affect a large number of Auckland properties. In many cases, development proposals that may previously have been straightforward can now require additional assessment, specialist input, or resource consent.
Early planning advice is becoming increasingly important. Understanding potential constraints before purchasing a property, designing a development, or lodging a consent application can help avoid delays, reduce costs, and provide greater certainty.
As discussed in the webinar, approval outcomes often depend on site-specific conditions, the type of development proposed, and whether any identified risks can be appropriately managed.
Talk to our team
We’re here to help you understand what the new PC120 natural hazard rules mean for your property or development site. Our planners can assess your site, outline risks and opportunities, and provide expert planning advice. If you’d like site-specific advice, get in touch with our planning team to discuss your property or development proposal.
FAQs
Is your Auckland development site affected by PC120's Natural Hazard Rules?
There’s a high chance it is. Auckland Council’s natural hazard mapping now covers a significant number of properties across the region, identifying areas potentially affected by flooding, overland flow paths, coastal hazards, landslide risk, and other natural hazards.
Even if a property has not experienced a natural hazard event, it may still be subject to a natural hazard overlay. Understanding whether these overlays apply to your site is an important first step before purchasing, designing, or developing a property.
Why do natural hazard overlays matter before purchasing a site?
Natural hazard overlays can influence development potential, consent requirements, project costs, and timelines. Identifying any constraints before purchasing can help you make more informed decisions and avoid unexpected challenges.
When are specialist reports likely to be required?
Specialist reports are often required where a site is affected by a natural hazard overlay. Depending on the hazard, this may include flood, coastal, or geotechnical assessments to support a resource consent application.
How can I check if my property is affected by a natural hazard overlay?
Auckland Council’s GeoMaps and PC120 mapping tools can identify natural hazard overlays on a property. A planner can then help assess what those overlays may mean for your development plans.
