South Waikato District Plan

13.6-COMZ Commercial Zone

Issues

This zone comprises two precincts, one at Putaruru (PREC1) and the other at Tokoroa (PREC2).

PREC1-Putaruru comprises vehicle-oriented retail and commercial activities, and light industrial development, all located around the town centre. It also applies to Putaruru Growth Cell 4 (GC4) to the south of Princes Street, and to three groups of properties on the edge of the town’s housing area, at Pit Street, Grey Street and adjacent to the SH1 bridge over the Oraka Stream.

PREC1 provides for a mixture of activities which, with the exception of GC4, include larger format retail premises, building supply firms and garden centres, car yards, service stations, supermarkets and a range of commercial and light industrial premises. Retail activities and other traffic-intensive activities are not provided for within GC4, due to their potential impact on the safety and efficiency of the Princes St/SH1 intersection. Restrictions are placed on the water supplied to, and wastewater disposed from, new industries in GC4 due to the limitations of Putaruru’s bulk services to cater for industrial growth.

The typical character is based on buildings that are set back from the street frontage and have adequate car parking provided on-site. Vehicle crossings will need to be carefully located so as to minimise conflict between traffic and pedestrians given the state highway thoroughfare. A network of service lanes near the town centre assists by providing rear access for goods delivery and collection, thereby reducing on-street traffic conflicts.

Portions of the COMZ in Putaruru adjoin residential properties, and so controls have therefore been applied in order to maintain amenity values for nearby residential units. Likewise, landscaping will be required for industries adjoining State Highway 1, to enhance the attractiveness of the entrances to town. “Industrious” and “prosperous” is the intended outcome rather than “industrial”.

PREC2 of the COMZ in Tokoroa comprises vehicle-oriented commercial and larger scale retail development, and light industrial development located around the town centre. It also applies to an area of commercial development at the corner of Maraetai Road and Balmoral Drive.

The activities within COMZ-PREC2 are characterised by more mixed use activities such as larger format retail premises, warehousing including trading in bulky goods such as building-supply firms and garden centres, car yards, service stations, supermarkets and a range of commercial and light industrial premises.

The buildings are set back from the street frontage. Car parking that is provided must be carefully assessed and access points to roads located so as to minimise conflict between vehicular traffic and pedestrians and maintain the safety and efficiency of the state highway network.

Objectives 

COMZ-O1

To have attractive, functional, safe and thriving townships built on the unique qualities of their people, industries, history and natural strengths.

COMZ-O2

To allow adequate opportunities for businesses and industries to provide a range of employment opportunities for the District’s residents, in a manner consistent with the towns’ existing amenity values without any unnecessary barriers to economic advancement.

COMZ-O3

To ensure that staged subdivision or development in the Putaruru Growth Cells does not compromise the future urban use of those areas.

COMZ-O4

To enable the town centres in Putaruru and Tokoroa to provide distinctive, attractive, safe and easily accessible environments with a concentration of commercial businesses and cultural activities providing a range of services and facilities for residents and passing travellers, and with minimum adverse effects on the safe and sustainable functioning of State Highway 1.

Policies

COMZ-P1

Promote a high standard of urban design for new development, including reflecting the town’s past and the locality’s Raukawa heritage, and consideration of community safety and CPTED principles.

COMZ-P2

Enable emergency service facilities to establish and operate throughout the district by implementing appropriate development controls.

COMZ-P3

To achieve the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River by managing subdivision and land-use within the district’s towns located within the River catchment in a way that restores and protects the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River, by managing activities in towns.

Rules PREC1-Putaruru, and PREC2-Tokoroa

COMZ-R1 PER Activities-PREC1 except for Putaruru Growth Cell 4, PREC2- Tokoroa

Subject to

(1) Retail activities

(a) COMZ-R6(1) to (5)

(b) COMZ-R7 where relevant

 

(2) Restaurants, bars, and cafes

(3) Offices

(4) Commercial Services

(5) Community facility

(6) Health care services

(7) Visitor accommodation

(8) Educational facility

(9) Service industry

(a) COMZ-R6(1) to (5)

(b) COMZ-R7 where relevant

 

(10) Industrial activities except those listed in SCHED5-HIIA

(11) Carparks

(12) Recreation and sporting activities on parks and reserves

(13) Caretakers’ accommodation

(14) Modifications, alterations and additions to an existing residential unit on the same site

(15) Emergency Service Facilities

PER Activities PREC1-Putaruru

Subject to

(16) Modifications, alterations, and additions to an existing Hospital or Home for the Aged on the same site

(a) COMZ-R6(1) to (5)

(b) COMZ-R7 where relevant

(17) Modifications, alterations, and additions to an existing service station on the same site

(18) Tourism and recreational activities

(19) Pastoral farming activities lawfully established on the land concerned within Putaruru Growth Cell 4 as at 13 May 2020

PER activities PREC2- Tokoroa

Subject to

(20) Drive through restaurants

(a) COMZ-R6(1) to (5)

(b) COMZ-R7 where relevant

 

(21) Service stations including motor vehicle repairs

(22) Craft workshops and studios

(23) Indoor sporting and recreation facilities provided for in a reserve management plan

COMZ-R2- CON Activities-PREC1-Putaruru- Growth Cell 4 Only

Subject to

(1) Industrial activities except those listed in SCHED5-HIIA

(a) COMZ-R6(1) to (5)

(b) COMZ-R7 where relevant

Matters of control

(c) AA-R2(1) and AA-R3(2)

(2) Ancillary offices of, and retailing ancillary to, PER industrial activities

(a) COMZ-R6(1) to (5)

(b) COMZ-R7 where relevant

(c) The GFA of this office and retailing space shall together:

(i) Not exceed 10% of the GFA used for industrial purposes on the same site

(ii) Not exceed 50 m2 in GFA

Whichever is lesser

Matters of control

(d) AA-R2(1) and AA-R3(2)

(3) Modifications, alterations, and additions to an existing residential unit on the same site

(a) COMZ-R6(1) to (5)

(b) COMZ-R7 where relevant

Matters of control

(c) AA-R2(1) and AA-R3(2)

(4) Veterinary services

(5) Caretakers’ accommodation

(6) Emergency Service Facilities

(7) Pastoral farming activities not lawfully established on the land concerned as at 13 May 2020, excluding non-compliance with standard TRAN R6(3)(b) which is a non-complying activity

COMZ-R3 RDIS Activities- PREC1 and PREC2

Subject to

(1) Any activity listed as PER that does not conform to the Standards, excluding non-compliance with standard TRAN R6(3)(b) which is non-complying

Matters of discretion

(a) AA-R3(1) and

(b) AA-R3(2)

(2) Activities that do not conform to COMZ-R6(1) PREC1-(c)

(a) AA-R3(1) and

(b) AA-R3(2)

(c) The effects of the operation of the railway network

(d) Whether the reduced setback from the rail corridor will enable buildings to be maintained without requiring access above, over, or on the rail corridor

COMZ-R4 DIS Activities- PREC1-Putaruru

 

(1) Activities that are not PER, RDIS or NC

Matters of discretion

(a) AA-R4

(b) Complement rather than detract from the retailing and other activity in the Putaruru TCZ

(2) Service stations including motor vehicle repair

Matters of Discretion

(a) The extent to which the proposal will be screened from adjacent residential uses by landscaping or fencing

(b) The effect of any access points on traffic safety and efficiency

(c) The extent to which lighting will be managed to avoid nuisance on residential properties

(d) Whether vehicle parking and manoeuvring can be accommodated on-site

(e) The extent to which signs comply with general controls in the zone concerned

(f) The adequacy of proposals to collect and deal with potentially contaminated stormwater

(g) The extent to which the proposal is likely to have an effect on the amenity values sought by the objectives for the zone concerned.

(h) COMZ-R6(1) to (5) and COMZ-R7 used as a guide

(i) AA-R4

(3) Residential activity above ground floor level

(a) The extent to which residential units in the COMZ can be designed and acoustically insulated to provide a reasonable level of aural privacy and outdoor living

(b) The extent to which the presence of residential activity will inhibit other activities in the zone that are provided for as PER.

(c) COMZ-R6(1) to (5) and COMZ-R7 used as a guide

(d) AA-R4

DIS activities – PREC2 Tokoroa

Subject to

(1) Activities that are not PER, or RDIS

Matters of discretion

(a) AA-R4

(b) COMZ-R6(1) to (5) and COMZ-R7 used as a guide

(2) Residential activity other than provided for in COMZ-R1

Matters of Discretion

(a) AA-R4

(b) The extent to which residential units in the COMZ can be designed and acoustically insulated to provide a reasonable level of aural privacy and outdoor living

(c) The extent to which the presence of residential activity will inhibit other activities in the zone that are provided for as PER.

(d) COMZ-R6(1) to (5) and COMZ-R7 used as a guide

(3) Industrial activities listed in SCHED5-HIIA

Matters of Discretion

(a) AA-R4

(b) COMZ-R6(1) to (5) and COMZ-R7 used as a guide

COMZ-R5 NC Activities PREC1- Putaruru

(1) Industrial Activities listed in SCHED5-HIIA

(a) COMZ-R6 to be used as a guide

(2) Intensive indoor primary production

(3) Non-compliance with TRAN-R6(3) - Provision of New Road to Putaruru GC4 (COMZ).

(a) For land-use activities locating in Putaruru GC4 as shown on the Planning Maps, the design and location of the legal road providing access to Princes Street shown as ‘Possible Future Road’ on the Planning Maps where this has not already been vested in Council.

 

COMZ-R6 Standards for PREC1-Putaruru and PREC2-Tokoroa

(1) Building Setbacks

PREC1-Putaruru

(a) Buildings must be setback from the front boundary at least 3m

(b) Buildings must be setback at least 5m from boundaries of properties zoned GRZ.

(c) Buildings within Putaruru GC4 shown on the Planning Maps must be setback at least 5m from any boundary which adjoins an operational railway line.

PREC2- Tokoroa

(a) Buildings must be set back from the front boundary - Nil

(b) Buildings must be set back from the side and rear boundaries - Nil, unless adjoining the GRZ where a setback of 5m is required

(2) Planting and screening

Planting and screening shall be provided in the following situations:

(a) A planting strip at least two metres wide, comprising trees, shrubs and grasses, shall be provided along the site boundary that adjoins a road, with the exception of areas used for vehicular access to the site

(b) A close-boarded fence at least 1.8m in height shall be provided along the full length of any boundary with a property within the GRZ zone.

(3) Height

(a) Maximum Building Height - 15m

(b) Maximum Height in Relation to Boundary - No part of any building shall protrude through (whichever is the lesser of) a plane rising at an angle of 45 degrees commencing at:

(i) an elevation of 3m measured at the boundary of any property zoned GRZ or GRUZ within Putaruru; or

(ii) an elevation of 3m measured at the boundary of any property zoned GRZ within PREC2-Tokoroa; or

(iii) an elevation of 10m at any road boundary

(iv) Parts of buildings that may protrude through the height control lines are chimneys, flues and similar projections, television, and telecommunication aerials and dishes, rainwater tanks, domestic scale renewable energy devices, and in addition on commercial and industrial buildings, lift machinery, air-conditioning and heating plants; all attached to the building and projecting not more than 3m above the building height standard for the zone, and less than 4m2 in area.

(4) Building Coverage

PREC1-Putaruru

The maximum extent that buildings can cover a site is 75%.

PREC2- Tokoroa

The maximum extent that buildings can cover a site is 75%, subject to compliance with any setback requirements in COMZ-R6-(1) parking and loading space requirements in TRAN-R5, and landscaping and planting requirements in COMZ-R6(2)

(5) Verandah Provision

All buildings within PREC2-Tokoroa that had a verandah over any part of the legal road on 7 November 2012 shall continue to provide at least equivalent pedestrian shelter. Any redevelopment of the site shall include verandahs at least as extensive as existed on that date.

COMZ-R7 Other Plan Matters

The following may also be relevant :

(1) Section 7.1 Energy, 7.2 Infrastructure, 7.3 Transportation

(2) Section 8.1 Contaminated Land, 8.2 Hazardous Substances, 8.3 Natural Hazards

(3) Section 9.1 Historic Heritage

(4) Chapter 11 Subdivision       

(5) Section 12.1 All activities

(6) Section 12.3 Air Emissions, 12.4 Earthworks, 12.6 Light,12.7 Noise, 12.8 Signs, 12.9 Temporary Activities

(7) Part 3- Any relevant overlay

COMZ- Anticipated Environmental Results

PREC1-Putaruru

COMZ-AER1

A range of commercial and light industrial activities provided for beyond the town centre

COMZ-AER2

A predominantly vehicle oriented commercial and light industrialenvironment, except in Putaruru Growth Cell 4, which will cater predominantly for industrial activities.

COMZ-AER3

Adequate off-street parking and loading provision to meet the demand from business premises and customers, including for tourist buses

COMZ-AER4

Formerly vacant parcels of land and vacant buildings are utilised for new commercial and commercial service enterprises, supported by flexible planning provisions

COMZ-AER5

The character and amenity values of adjacent residential areas is maintained through appropriate Standards

PREC2-Tokoroa

COMZ-AER6

Increased flexibility to locate a range of commercial and light industrial activities that complements the range of commercial services located in the Tokoroa TCZ.

COMZ-AER7

Better management of potential adverse environmental effects to maintain vehicle and pedestrian safety in a predominantly vehicle oriented commercial and light industrial environment.

COMZ-AER8

Maintaining and enhancing the efficiency, functionality and safety of strategic transport corridors.

COMZ-AER9

The Tokoroa Precinct provides vibrant, fully developed and tenanted commercial and light industrial areas.

COMZ-AER10

The character and amenity values of adjacent residential areas is maintained through appropriate controls on building bulk, location and landscaping treatments at these interfaces.

COMZ-AER11

Reverse sensitivity impacts from residential development within the zone are avoided or minimised.

SCHED5-HIIA – High-Impact Industrial Activities

(a) Blood or offal treating

(b) Bone boiling or crushing

(c) Collection and storage of used bottles for sale

(d) Dag crushing

(e) Fellmongering

(f) Fish cleaning

(g) Fish curing

(h) Flax pulping

(i) Flock manufacturing, or teasing of textile materials for any purpose

(j) Gut scraping and treating

(k) Nightsoil collection and disposal

(l) Refuse collection and disposal

(m) Septic tank desludging and disposal of sludge

(n) Slaughtering animals for any purpose other than human consumption

(o) Storage, drying or preserving of bones, hides, hooves or skins

(p) Tallow melting

(q) Tanning

(r) Wood pulping

(s) Wool scouring

The above are listed as “offensive trades” under Schedule 3 of the Health Act 1956.