Council has rules regarding the distances that buildings can be setback from boundaries. The tables are to provide information on setbacks in various planning zones. 

Find out which planning zone applies to your property.

A 30 minute appointment can be made, at no cost, to speak with a Duty Planner to discuss your project. Duty Planners are available at our Main Office in Richmond, Motueka and Takaka.

To book an appointment or for more information on building near boundaries contact the Tasman District Council

Building Setback Standards for Planning Zones

The following tables show the build setback specifications for each zone.

CBD, Commercial and Tourist Services Zones

Setback Standard	Distance
Buildings from public reserves	5.0m
Buildings from boundary of adjoining residential zone	5.0m

Light Industrial Zones

Setback Standard	Distance
Buildings from road reserve boundaries	3.0m
Buildings from indicative reserves	5.0m
Buildings from rural 1 zone	20m
Buildings from open space	10m
Buildings from rivers less than 5m wide	8.0m
Buildings from river beds more than 5 m wide	20m
Buildings from boundaries of public reserves	10m
Buildings from boundaries adjoining residential zone	10m
Buildings from rivers less than 5m wide	8.0m
Buildings from river beds more than 5m wide	20m

Mixed Business Zones

Setback Standard	Distance
Buildings from road reserves	10m
Buildings from open space zone	10m
Buildings from recreation zone	10m
Buildings from rural 1 zone	10m
Buildings from public reserves	5.0m
Buildings from rivers less than	8.0m

Residential Zone

Setback Standard	Distance
Dwelling from Road Reserve boundary	4.5m
Dwelling from one of the internal boundaries	1.5m
Dwelling from the rest of internal boundaries	3.0m
Dwellings from the rural zone	25m
Buildings from river beds 1.5m wide	1.5m
Buildings from river beds 1.5 - 5m wide	8.0m
Buildings from river beds 5 – 20m wide	20m
Accessory buildings longer than 7.2m / with window 1.5m	1.5m
Garage with door facing the road	5.5m

Rural Residential

Setback Standard	Distance
Buildings from Road Reserve boundary	10m
Buildings from Lakes, open space, recreation and conservation Zones	20m
Buildings from river beds less than 5 m wide	8.0m
Buildings from river beds more than 5 m wide	20m
Buildings from a plantation forest	30m
from boundary common to horticultural plantings	30m
from horticultural plantings with a shelterbelt	20m
from horticultural plantings that are vineyards	30m

Rural 1, 2 and 3 Zones

Setback Standard	Distance
Buildings from Road Reserve boundary	10m
Buildings from Lakes, open space, recreation and conservation Zones	20m
Buildings from river beds less than 5 m wide	8.0m
Buildings from river beds more than 5 m wide	20m
Buildings from a plantation forest	30m