Issues

The transport network in Whangārei is essential in facilitating the accessibility and efficient functioning of the District and the Region. The transport network includes public and private roads, railways, access ways, service lanes, active and public transport lanes and parking and loading areas. The network provides for the movement of people and goods throughout the District, creates a service corridor for network utility operators, and is a public space that people can identify with and use to interact. The transport vision for Whangārei is a safe and efficient transport network that promotes a range of transport choices and supports the vitality, liveability and connectivity of the District and its communities.

Historic scattered patterns of development have led to a high dependency on private motor vehicles for transportation needs and have caused inefficiencies in providing transport network improvements. Similarly, ad hoc development has often led to fragmented and inefficient transport infrastructure. The interrelationship between transport and land use planning is therefore fundamental to achieving Whangārei’s transport vision.

Whangārei’s future growth expectation is for consolidated and compact urban development. Planning for growth in a consolidated and compact manner allows transport priorities to be established and transport infrastructure to be more efficiently provided. Consolidated and compact development and responsible land use planning can also promote a variety of transport methods, including walking, cycling and public transport, and can help reduce the reliance on private motor vehicles within the District.

While the District Plan promotes alternative modes of transportation and reduced dependency on private motor vehicles, mobility through private motor vehicle usage will continue to be provided for. Therefore, it is important to establish clear standards and expectations for the transport network, and promote its safe, efficient, accessible and convenient use. Where potential future transport infrastructure needs are identified, indicative roads and strategic road protection areas are mapped to provide for and safeguard future transport needs.

The establishment, maintenance and use of transport network assets such as parking areas, footpaths, cycleways and roads can cause adverse effects on the surrounding environment such as reducing amenity values, increasing impervious surfaces and increasing noise levels. The transport network and transport infrastructure can contribute positively or negatively to an area. Therefore, urban design should be considered when constructing transport network assets while also balancing Whangārei’s practical transportation needs.

The management of parking and loading is important to the safe and efficient functioning of the transport network. It is important that parking and loading are provided and managed in a manner that supports the efficient use of land and is compatible with surrounding amenity and is flexible for diverse living choices. Car parking can also be managed to have an influence on reducing private motor vehicle use.

The safe and efficient operation of the transport network can be adversely affected by adjacent land use activities, development and subdivision. Activities or subdivisions which may result in too many accesses or may generate higher amounts of traffic than anticipated must be well integrated with the transport network to manage adverse effects.

Objectives

TRA-O1Transport Network

Provide and maintain a safe, efficient, accessible and sustainable transport network while avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects on the environment, adjoining land uses and the surrounding amenity and character.

TRA-O2Integrate Transport and Land Use Planning

Integrate land use and transport planning to ensure that land use activities, development and subdivision maintain the safety and efficiency of the transport network.

TRA-O3Active and Public Transport

Encourage and facilitate active transport and public transportation.

TRA-O4Safety and Efficiency

Provide suitable and sufficient vehicle crossings, access, parking, loading and manoeuvring areas that minimise adverse effects on the safe, effective and efficient functioning of the transport network.

TRA-O5Urban Design

Design and locate transport infrastructure in a manner that is consistent with the amenity and urban design outcomes anticipated for the zone.

TRA-O6Future Growth

Ensure that future growth can be supported by appropriate transport infrastructure.

Policies

TRA-P1Design, Construction and Maintenance

To design, construct and maintain roads, cycleways, walkways, public transport infrastructure, car parks and pedestrian access in a manner that:

1. Provides a safe and efficient transport network.

2. Enables the efficient provision of network utility infrastructure while providing for suitable streetscape amenity including lighting and landscaping.

3. Has regard to the future capacity and growth of the transport network.

4. Is multi-modal and provides for the needs of all users, as appropriate for the surrounding environment and the function of the road within the transport network hierarchy.

5. Avoids no exit roads where through roads and connected networks can be designed, particularly in commercial and industrial areas.

6. Provides pedestrian and cyclist access to connect roads and public spaces where they would offer a shorter route.

7. Ensures access to multiple allotments is constructed to an acceptable standard and vested as a public road where appropriate.

8. Appropriately manages stormwater to ensure the risk of flooding is not increased and water quality is maintained.

TRA-P2Roads

Allow new public roads or major roading upgrades to public roads where the location and design of the road:

1. Provides for the needs of all users, as appropriate for the surrounding environment and the function of the road within the transport network hierarchy.

2. Minimises adverse effects on surrounding sensitive activities, including severance effects and streetscape amenity.

3. Maintains or enhances the safety and efficiency of the transport network.

4. Does not compromise, and where possible provides, connections to surrounding areas, particularly for buses, pedestrians, and cyclists.

5. Provides sufficient area for landscaping and tree planting in appropriate areas while balancing the need to maintain safety and provide underground services and footpaths.

6. Contributes to positive urban design outcomes within the Urban Area.

TRA-P3Transport Network Capacity

To manage the scale and design of subdivision and development by:

1. Ensuring that there is sufficient capacity within the transport network to cater for the proposal.

2. Requiring subdividers and developers to meet the costs of any upgrades and/or extensions to the transport network which are directly attributed to measurable impacts of the subdivision or development.

TRA-P4Integrated Transport Assessments

To avoid remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the adjacent and wider transport network by requiring Integrated Transport Assessments for large scale developments and subdivisions.

TRA-P5Active Transport

To promote active transport by facilitating cycle and pedestrian connectivity within new subdivisions and developments and, where appropriate, to existing developments, reserves and other public spaces.

TRA-P6Dust Nuisances

To avoid dust nuisances in the Urban Area and improve amenity and accessibility by implementing formation standards for access and parking whilst managing stormwater.

TRA-P7Access and Intersections

To ensure that access and intersections are designed and located so that:

1. Good visibility is provided.

2. Vehicle manoeuvres and public and active transport modes are appropriately accommodated.

3. They are sufficiently separated so as not to adversely affect the free flow of traffic.

TRA-P8Vehicle Crossings and Access

To require vehicle crossings and associated access to be designed and located to ensure safe and efficient movement to and from sites for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists by managing:

1. Separation distances between vehicle crossings.

2. Separation distances from intersections, railway crossings and pedestrian crossing facilities.

3. Vehicle crossing sight distances.

4. The number of vehicle crossings per site.

5. The design, formation and construction standards of crossings and access.

TRA-P9Parking and Loading

To require parking and loading areas and access to be designed and located to ensure safe movement on-site and safe ingress and egress of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists by managing:

1. Parking and loading space dimensions and gradient.

2. The location and identification of car parking and loading spaces.

3. Manoeuvring space within the site.

4. The formation and construction standards of parking areas.

5. The design and layout of parking areas.

TRA-P10Bicycle Parking

To provide safe and secure bicycle parking spaces and end-of-trip facilities for activities with high numbers of employees, students or residents.

TRA-P11Charging Stations

To reduce emissions and enhance the sustainability of Whangārei’s transport network by providing electric vehicle charging station parking spaces where high numbers of on-site car parking spaces are provided.

TRA-P12Landscaping

To require landscape planting where uncovered on-site car parking is provided to improve visual amenity, navigability and stormwater management.

TRA-P13Indicative Roads and Strategic Road Protection Areas

To identify indicative roads and strategic road protection areas based on long term growth projections, and to require development and subdivision to have regard to effects on any indicative road or strategic road protection area.

TRA-P14Transport Network Hierarchy

To identify and apply a transport network hierarchy to ensure that the functions of transport network assets are recognised and protected in the management of land use and subdivision.

TRA-P15Rail Infrastructure

To support the safe, effective and efficient operation of the transport network by;

1. Discouraging new vehicle and new pedestrian rail level crossings.

2. Providing sufficient building setbacks from identified strategic railway line protection areas to ensure that buildings can be safely accessed and maintained.

Rules

TRA-R1Any Activity Not Otherwise Listed in This Chapter

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. Resource consent is not required under any rule of the District Plan.

2. The activity is not prohibited under any rule of the District Plan.

TRA-R2Required Parking Spaces and Dimensions

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. All off-street car parking spaces, loading spaces, bicycle parking spaces, end-of-trip facilities and associated manoeuvring areas are provided and constructed in accordance with TRA Appendix 1.

Note:

1. Lighting requirements for parking and loading spaces are contained within the LIGHT Chapter.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of parking and loading areas.

2. The number of parking and loading spaces.

3. Scale, management and operation of the activity as it relates to its demand for parking.

4. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

TRA-R3Parking Location and Identification

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. All car parking spaces and loading spaces are:

   1. Not located on any footpath, access, manoeuvring or outdoor living court area.

   2. Not located within any strategic road protection area.

   3. Permanently marked or delineated, except where they are:

      1. Associated with a residential unit which is not part of a multi-unit development.

      2. Associated with the loading area for the fuel delivery vehicle or car parking spaces at a pump of a service station.

      3. Located in the Rural Production Zone, Natural Open Space Zone or Open Space Zone.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of parking and loading areas.

2. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

TRA-R4Parking Gradient

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and the Port Nikau Development Area:

1. All car parking spaces, loading spaces and associated manoeuvring areas do not have a gradient steeper than:

   1. 1 in 16 for surfaces at 90 degrees to the angle of the parking.

   2. 1 in 20 for surfaces parallel to the angle of the parking.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location and design of parking, loading and manoeuvring areas.

2. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

TRA-R5Vehicle Crossings and Access Design and Location

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. The vehicle crossing and access are provided and constructed in accordance with TRA Appendix 2A - 2D.

2. A shared private access serves no more than 8 principal residential units.

3. The vehicle crossing is not fronting a state highway.

4. Any unused vehicle crossings are reinstated to match the existing footpath and kerbing.

5. The vehicle or pedestrian crossing is not over a railway corridor.

Compliance Standard:

1. TRA-R5.2 does not apply within the Port Nikau Development Area.

Note:

1. A vehicle crossing permit may be required.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved with TRA-R5.1 – 4: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of vehicle crossings and access.

2. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

3. The extent to which the safety and efficiency of railway and road operations will be adversely affected.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved with TRA-R5.5: Non-Complying

TRA-R6Vehicle Crossings and Access Setbacks

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. The new vehicle crossing is located at least:

   1. 30m from a railway level crossing.

   2. 8m from a dedicated pedestrian crossing facility (including pedestrian crossing, mid-block pedestrian signals, refuge islands and traffic signalled intersections).

   3. 2m from a separate vehicle crossing.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of vehicle crossings and access.

2. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

TRA-R7Requirements for On-Site Manoeuvring Space

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. All car parking, loading spaces and associated manoeuvring areas provide sufficient on-site manoeuvring space:

   1. To ensure that no vehicle is required to reverse either onto or off the site, except for front sites where:

      1. Access is gained from an Access or Low Volume Road; and

      2. Less than 3 car parking spaces are provided on-site.

   2. That enables vehicles occupying a car parking space or loading space to have ready access to the road at all times, without needing to move any other vehicles occupying other car parking spaces or loading spaces, except for:

      1. Parking associated with an individual residential unit.

      2. Staff parking areas associated with an individual activity; or

      3. Parking for vehicles being serviced at a repair and maintenance service or rural centre service activity.

   3. To ensure that vehicles using or waiting to use fuel dispensers, ticket vending machines, remote ordering facilities and devices, entrance control mechanisms, or other drive-through-facilities do not queue into the adjoining road or obstruct entry to or exit from the site.

   4. For every car parking space, to accommodate the 90^th percentile car tracking curves in Figure TRA 1 so that only one reverse manoeuvre is required to manoeuvre in or out of any car parking space.

   5. For every loading space, to comply with the tracking curves set out in the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency guidelines: RTS 18: NZ on-road tracking curves for heavy vehicles (2007) so that only one reverse manoeuvre is required to manoeuvre in or out of any loading space.

Note:

1. Acceptable means of compliance with access, parking and manoeuvring design can be found in the Whangārei District Council Engineering Standards.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of vehicle crossings, manoeuvring and access.

2. Location, size and design of parking and loading spaces.

3. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Note: The turning radius shown is the minimum and is not appropriate for speeds greater than 10km/hr.

TRA-R8Crossings, Access and Parking Areas (Sealing and Formation Standards)

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. Vehicle crossings accessing a sealed road are sealed to a standard not less than that of the adjoining road surface.

2. On-site access and parking areas (including loading and manoeuvring areas) are formed, drained and sealed with a permanent all-weather surface in the following instances:

   1. Urban Zone sites.

   2. Future Urban Zone sites with an area less than 2,000m².

   3. Settlement Zone sites.

   4. Strategic Rural Industries Zone sites.

   5. Any accessway serving more than 5 principal residential units.

   6. Where the gradient exceeds 12.5%.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of vehicle crossings, manoeuvring and access.

2. Location, size and design of parking and loading spaces.

3. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

4. Dust nuisance.

5. Adverse effects on amenity.

6. Stormwater management.

TRA-R9Setbacks (Strategic Road Protection Areas and Indicative Roads)

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. All buildings and major structures (excluding minor buildings) are set back at least 0.5m from a strategic road protection area as detailed in TRA Appendix 4.

2. Sensitive activities at ground floor are set back at least 2m from a strategic road protection area as detailed in TRA Appendix 4.

3. No buildings or major structures (excluding minor buildings) are located within 10m of an indicative road as shown on the Planning Maps.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of buildings and activities.

2. The safety and efficiency of the transport network.

3. Effects on the future growth or expansion of the transport network.

4. Alternative routes to achieve the indicative road outcome.

TRA-R10New Buildings, Excluding Minor Buildings (Strategic Railway Line Protection Areas)

Activity Status: Permitted

Where:

1. In the Residential Zones:

   1. All new buildings, excluding minor buildings, are set back at least 2m from the strategic railway line protection areas as shown on the Planning Maps.

2. In All Zones except the Residential Zones:

   1. All new buildings, excluding minor buildings, are set back at least 2.5m from the strategic railway line protection areas as shown on the Planning Maps.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. The location, size and design of the building as it relates to the ability to safely use, access and maintain buildings without requiring access on, above or over the rail corridor.

Notification:

Any restricted discretionary activity under TRA-R10 shall not be notified or limited notified unless KiwiRail is determined to be an affected person in accordance with section 95B of the Resource Management Act 1991 or Council decides that special circumstances exist under section 94A(4) of the Resource Management Act 1991.

TRA-R11Landscaping Within Parking Areas

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area, except for the Heavy Industrial, Rural Production and Strategic Rural Industries Zones:

1. All uncovered ground level car parking areas:

   1. Of 20 – 200 adjacent car parking spaces provide landscaping within or adjacent to the parking area to a minimum of 5% of the total parking area.

   2. Of more than 200 adjacent car parking spaces provide landscaping within or adjacent to the parking area to a minimum of 7.5% of the total parking area.

Compliance Standard:

1. For the purpose of calculating total parking area, only the areas used for parking spaces and access aisles along parking spaces shall be included. Not included in the parking area calculation are service roads, pedestrian footpaths, loading/unloading areas, and perimeter landscape areas.

Note:

1. Further guidance on best practice landscaping in car parks is contained in Whangārei’s Urban Design Guidelines.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of parking and loading areas.

2. Safety and efficiency for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

3. Amenity and character.

4. Stormwater management.

5. Navigability for pedestrians.

6. The number of parking spaces.

TRA-R12Tree Planting Within Parking Areas

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones except for Port Nikau Development Area and the Heavy Industrial, Rural Production and Strategic Rural Industries Zones:

1. All uncovered ground level parking areas where at least 20 car parking spaces are provided, provide at least 1 tree for every 20 car parking spaces and each tree:

   1. Is planted within or adjacent to the parking area.

   2. Has a minimum height of 4m above ground level at maturity.

   3. Has a minimum canopy shade coverage of 30m² at maturity.

Compliance Standard:

1. For the purpose of calculating total parking area, only the areas used for parking spaces and access aisles along parking spaces shall be included. Not included in the parking area calculation are service roads, pedestrian footpaths, loading/unloading areas, and perimeter landscape areas.

Note:

1. Further guidance on best practice landscaping in car parks is contained in Whangārei’s Urban Design Guidelines.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of parking and loading areas.

2. Safety and efficiency for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

3. Amenity and character.

4. Stormwater management.

5. Navigability for pedestrians.

6. The number of parking spaces.

TRA-R13Electric Vehicle Charging Station Parking Spaces Number Requirements

Activity Status: Permitted

Where in All Zones and Port Nikau Development Area:

1. All parking areas, except those associated with a residential activity, where 50 or more car parking spaces are provided sets aside space for at least 1 parking space for an electric vehicle charging station per every 50 car parking spaces provided.

Note:

1. This rule does not require installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, rather, it requires the provision of sufficient space to accommodate electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. Location, size and design of parking and loading areas.

2. The number of parking spaces that can accommodate electric vehicle charging stations.

TRA-R14Subdivision

Activity Status: Controlled

Where:

1. In All zones and Port Nikau Development area:

   1. The site does not contain an indicative road or a strategic road protection area.

   2. Subdivision results in all sites having access and crossings which comply with TRA-R5 and TRA-R6

2. In the Future Urban Zone:

   1. Subdivision results in:

      1. A shared access which serves no more than 3 allotments or 3 principal residential units.

      2. No more than 1 right of way being created.

3. In All Zones except for the Port Nikau Development Area and the Future Urban Zone:

   1. Subdivision results in a shared access which serves no more than 8 allotments or 8 principal residential units.

Matters of control:

1. Effects on the road network in the vicinity due to increased traffic from the subdivision.

2. The need for footpaths, kerb and channel on roads in the vicinity, including for stormwater management.

3. The adequacy of the access for the anticipated use.

4. The ability of the access to contain required services.

5. Traffic safety and visibility.

6. Type, frequency and timing of traffic.

7. Access design, and number and location of vehicle crossings.

8. Design and construction of any bridges or culverts.

9. The construction and maintenance of new vehicle crossings or alterations to existing vehicle crossings where proposed as part of the subdivision.

10. Where relevant, the provision, location, design, capacity, connection, upgrading, staging and integration of transport infrastructure.

11. Pedestrian and cycle connections to public roads from existing reserves and/or pedestrian accessways, especially where the connection will provide a significantly shorter distance.

12. Design of pedestrian and cycle connections to ensure ease of use, accessibility and safety.

13. In the Future Urban Zone, the protection of land within the proposed allotments to allow access and linkages to adjacent allotments for future transport infrastructure.

Notes:

1. Refer to Rules TRA-R15 – R16 for any Integrated Transport Assessment Requirements as part of a subdivision.

2. Acceptable means of compliance can be found in the Whangārei District Council Engineering Standards.

Activity Status when compliance not achieved: Restricted Discretionary

Matters of discretion:

1. The matters of control listed in TRA-R14.

2. Location, size and design of vehicle crossings and access.

3. The safety and efficiency of the transport network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

4. Effects on the future growth or expansion of the transport network.

5. The extent to which the subdivision impacts on the future ability to form a road or access within an indicative road or strategic road protection area, and any mitigation to not preclude that future formation.

6. The adequacy of the access for the anticipated use.

7. The ability of the access to contain required services.

TRA-R15Any Activity (Integrated Transport Assessments)

Activity Status: Restricted Discretionary

Where with respect to Table TRA 15 in Appendix TRA Appendix 5, in All Zones except for the Port Nikau Development Area, the Hospital Zone and the Strategic Rural Industries Zone:

1. A new activity specified in Column A exceeds the Threshold Limit in Column B; or

2. A change to an existing activity specified in Column A exceeds the Threshold Limit in Column C; or

3. Any subdivision proposes more than 25 vacant allotments; or

4. Subdivision is proposed of an allotment that existed at 15 April 2021 and the area of the parent allotment is equal to or larger than:

   1. 1ha within the Future Urban Zone where any allotment will be connected to Council reticulated water, wastewater and stormwater services.

   2. 7,500m within the Medium Density Residential Zone.

   3. 1ha within the General Residential Zone or Settlement Zone Residential.

   4. 4ha within the Low Density Residential Zone.

   5. 6ha within the Large Lot Residential Zone.

5. Subdivision is of an allotment within the Parihaka Environmental Benefit Precinct that existed at 21 April 2021 and the subdivision is proposed under PREC12-R8.

Matters of discretion:

1. Effects on the sustainability, safety, efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of the immediately adjacent transport network, including cumulative effects from incremental changes to the activity on the site or sites.

2. Required improvements, alterations or extensions to the immediately adjacent transport network to mitigate adverse effects (including at level crossings).

3. The need for pedestrian and cyclist connections to adjacent destinations.

4. Adverse effects on streetscape and amenity.

5. Demonstrated characteristics of the activity or proposal which result in low traffic generation relative to size or scale of the activity.

6. Recommendations and proposed mitigation measures of the Integrated Transport Assessment and any further information provided through the consent process.

Compliance Standard:

1. TRA-R15.1 does not apply for any activity where consent has previously been granted for the activity under TRA-R15.1.

2. In TRA-R15.2 “change” means a change of activity or a change in intensity, or scale of the activity.

3. The thresholds for a change under TRA-R15.2 shall be measured based on:

   1. The size or scale of the activity as constructed or consented at 15 April 2021 where the activity does not have consent under TRA-R15 or TRA-R16; or

   2. The resource consent where one has previously been granted under TRA-R15 or TRA-R16.

Notes:

1. Applications shall comply with information requirement rule TRA-REQ1.

2. Table TRA 15 is located in TRA Appendix 5.

TRA-R16Any Activity (Integrated Transport Assessments)

Activity Status: Restricted Discretionary

Where with respect to Table TRA 16, in All Zones except for the Port Nikau Development Area (refer PNDA chapter), the Hospital Zone and the Strategic Rural Industries Zone:

1. A new activity specified in Column A exceeds the Threshold Limit in Column B; or

2. A change to an existing activity specified in Column A exceeds the Threshold Limit in Column C; or

3. Any subdivision proposes more than 50 vacant allotments; or

4. Subdivision is proposed of an allotment that existed at 15 April 2021 and the area of the parent allotment is equal to or larger than:

   1. 1.5ha within the Medium Density Residential Zone.

   2. 2ha within the General Residential Zone or Settlement Zone Residential.

   3. 8ha within the Low Density Residential Zone.

Matters of discretion:

1. Effects on the sustainability, safety, efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of the affected transport network, including cumulative effects from incremental changes to the activity on the site or sites.

2. Required improvements, alterations or extensions to the affected transport network to mitigate adverse effects (including at level crossings).

3. The need for pedestrian and cyclist connections to nearby destinations.

4. Adverse effects on streetscape and amenity.

5. The location, design, scale and intensity of the proposed activity in relation to its effects on the affected transport network.

6. Demonstrated characteristics of the activity or proposal which result in low traffic generation relative to size or scale of the activity.

7. Recommendations and proposed mitigation measures of the Integrated Transport Assessment and any further information provided through the consent process.

Compliance Standard:

1. TRA-R16.1 does not apply for any activity where consent has previously been granted for the activity under TRA-R16.1.

2. In TRA-R16.2 “change” means a change of activity or a change in intensity, or scale of the activity.

3. The thresholds for a change under TRA-R16.2 shall be measured based on:

   1. The size or scale of the activity as constructed or consented at 15 April 2021 where the activity does not have consent under TRA-R15 or TRA-R16; or

   2. The resource consent where one has previously been granted under TRA-R15 or TRA-R16.

Notes:

1. Applications shall comply with information requirement rule TRA-REQ2.

2. Table TRA 16 is located in TRA Appendix 5.

TRA-R17Construction of Any New Public Road or Service Lane

Activity Status: Restricted Discretionary

Where:

1. In All Zones except for Port Nikau Development Area.

Matters of discretion:

1. The provision, design and construction of the road or service lane.

2. Effects on the sustainability, safety, efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of the transport network.

3. Streetscape, urban design and amenity effects of the transport infrastructure.

4. Provision and encouragement of active and public modes of transport.

5. Integration with surrounding land uses and transport infrastructure.

6. Recommendations and proposed mitigation measures of the Integrated Transport Assessment and any further information provided through the consent process.

Notes:

1. Any application shall comply with information requirement rule TRA-REQ3.

2. Acceptable means of compliance for the provision, design and construction of infrastructure is contained within the Whangārei District Council Engineering Standards.

TRA-R18Any Major Roading Alteration to an Existing Public Road

Activity Status: Restricted Discretionary

Where:

1. In All Zones except for Port Nikau Development Area.

Matters of discretion:

1. The provision, design and construction of the road or service lane.

2. Effects on the sustainability, safety, efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of the transport network.

3. Streetscape, urban design and amenity effects of the transport infrastructure.

4. Provision and encouragement of active and public modes of transport.

5. Integration with surrounding land uses and transport infrastructure.

6. Recommendations and proposed mitigation measures of the Integrated Transport Assessment and any further information provided through the consent process.

Notes:

1. Any application shall comply with information requirement rule TRA-REQ3.

2. Acceptable means of compliance for the provision, design and construction of infrastructure is contained within the Whangārei District Council Engineering Standards.

Information Requirement Rules

TRA-REQ1Restricted Discretionary Integrated Transport Assessments

1. Any application pursuant to TRA-R15 shall include an Integrated Transport Assessment prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced professional which shall include:

   1. A description of the site characteristics, existing development, existing traffic conditions and trip generation, immediately adjacent land uses, proposed activity and its intensity.

   2. An assessment of the features of the existing transport network, including the following (where relevant to the proposal):

      1. Existing access arrangements, on-site car parking and crossing locations.

      2. Existing internal vehicle and pedestrian circulation.

      3. Existing walking and cycling networks.

      4. Existing public transport service routes and frequencies including bus stops and lanes.

      5. Hours of operation for non-residential activities.

      6. The adjacent transport network road hierarchy and the safety of the transport network in the immediate vicinity including crash history if relevant.

      7. The location and type of any existing level crossings in the locality.

   3. A description of the estimated number of trips which will be generated by each transport mode (public transport, walking, cycling and private vehicles, including heavy vehicles).

   4. An evaluation of the effects of the development on the immediately adjacent transport network, including:

      1. The impacts that any additional vehicle movements are likely to have on the capacity and operation of adjacent road and rail networks, including any intersections and level crossings.

      2. For heavy vehicle trips per day, whether there are any effects from these trips on roading infrastructure.

      3. Where the development will directly impact the railway corridor, a summary of consultation with the railway operator.

   5. Identification of any necessary mitigation measures that will be required to address any impacts on the transport network, including:

      1. Potential mitigation measures needed both within the proposed development and on the immediately adjacent transport network including any improvements, upgrades, alterations or extensions to the transport network (including at level crossings).

      2. Any mitigation required to achieve convenient and safe operation of access points and loading areas for all users.

      3. A summary of the Integrated Transport Assessment including key findings and implications that the development will have for transport including any proposed mitigation measures.

Note:

1. For further guidance on Integrated Transport Assessments refer to Appendix A of New Zealand Transport Agency Research Report No.422, “Integrated Transport Assessment Guidelines”, Abley et al, November 2010.

TRA-REQ2Discretionary Integrated Transport Assessments

1. Any application pursuant to TRA-R16 shall include an Integrated Transport Assessment prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced professional which shall include:

   1. A description of the site characteristics, existing development, existing traffic conditions and trip generation, surrounding land uses, proposed activity and its intensity, and future development potential of the site.

   2. An assessment of the features of the existing transport network, including the following (where relevant to the proposal):

      1. Existing access arrangements, on-site car parking and crossing locations.

      2. Existing internal vehicle and pedestrian circulation.

      3. Existing walking and cycling networks.

      4. Existing public transport service routes and frequencies including bus stops and lanes.

      5. Hours of operation for non-residential activities.

      6. The adjacent transport network road hierarchy and the safety of the transport network in the vicinity including crash history if relevant.

      7. The location and type of any existing level crossings in the locality.

   3. A description of the estimated number of trips which will be generated by each transport mode (public transport, walking, cycling and private vehicles, including heavy vehicles).

   4. An assessment of the suitability of the proposal for all users within the development and connecting to the adjacent transport network. This shall include assessments of:

      1. The accessibility of the development for public transport and how the design of the development will encourage public transport use by considering the attractiveness, safety, distance and suitability of the walking routes to the nearest bus stop.

      2. The accessibility of the development for pedestrians and cyclists and how the design of the development will encourage walking and cycling, particularly to nearby destinations such as reserves, other public spaces and commercial or community facilities.

      3. Any safety implications that may detract from walking or cycling to/from the development.

      4. The accessibility of the development by private motor vehicles and the suitability of the proposed access and use of the site with respect to the safe, efficient and effective functioning of the transport network.

   5. An evaluation of the effects of the development on the surrounding transport network, including:

      1. Impacts on the operation of public transport infrastructure, and any vehicle and pedestrian/cyclist conflicts likely to arise from vehicle movements to and from the development.

      2. The impacts that any additional vehicle movements are likely to have on the capacity and operation of adjacent road and rail networks, including any intersections and level crossings.

      3. For heavy vehicle trips per day, whether there are any effects from these trips on roading infrastructure.

      4. Where the development will directly impact the state highway, a summary of consultation with the New Zealand Transport Agency.

      5. The impacts of construction traffic where a development will require a significant amount of construction work.

      6. Where the development will directly impact the railway corridor, a summary of consultation with the railway operator.

   6. An assessment of how the transport network will be designed to accommodate infrastructure and services, stormwater, lighting, landscaping and street trees. For larger scale non-residential developments this shall include consideration of underground electrical supply system for electric vehicle charging stations.

   7. Identification of any necessary mitigation measures that will be required to address any impacts on the transport network, including:

      1. Potential mitigation measures needed both within the proposed development and on the transport network surrounding the development including any improvements, upgrades, alterations or extensions to the transport network (including at level crossings).

      2. Any mitigation required to achieve convenient and safe operation of access points and loading areas for all users.

      3. How the design and layout of the proposed activity maximises opportunities, to the extent practical, for travel other than by private car.

      4. Where appropriate, the use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles and techniques to mitigate any safety issues for pedestrians or cyclists.

      5. A description of measures that will be put in place to mitigate against the effects of the construction process.

      6. A summary of the Integrated Transport Assessment including key findings and implications that the development will have for transport including any proposed mitigation measures.

   8. An overview of the transport implications of existing land uses and any land use characteristics that affect the proposal, including in the wider surrounding area those that will affect assessment of the proposal. This shall consider projected growth predictions and predicted annual average daily traffic.

   9. An assessment of the traffic volumes on the wider transport network serving the development and any intersections that will be affected by the proposal. Include consideration of the existing peak-hour congestion near the site, level of service, turning volumes, and comparisons between peak and interpeak conditions.

   10. A description of any proposed transport upgrades or changes within the vicinity of the proposed development such as known intersection or road upgrades, cycle infrastructure, parking restrictions or public transport upgrades or changes. If the proposed development is to be staged this description shall consider how the proposal will correspond with planned transport upgrades.

   11. An assessment of the proposal’s consistency with relevant strategic documents including the Blue/Green Network Strategy for Whangārei City, the Walking and Cycling Strategy and the Whangārei Transport Strategy.

   12. An assessment of the overall suitability of the site to accommodate the proposed activity and its transportation effects in a manner that is consistent with relevant District and Regional transport policies and objectives.

Note:

1. For further guidance on Integrated Transport Assessments refer to Appendix A of New Zealand Transport Agency Research Report No.422, “Integrated Transport Assessment Guidelines”, Abley et al, November 2010.

TRA-REQ3New Roads and Major Roading Alterations to an Existing Public Road

Any application pursuant to TRA-R17 – R18 shall include a detailed assessment including the following:

1. The details required under information requirement rule TRA-REQ2.

2. A roading layout plan, including:

   1. The provision of landscaping and street trees.

   2. The provision of on-street parking.

   3. The provision of street lighting and amenities (e.g. benches, bus shelters, etc.).

   4. Geometric design.

   5. Drainage design.

   6. Road marking and signage.

   7. Traffic calming devices.

   8. Utility service locations.

   9. Sight distance plans.

   10. Clear distinction between public and private assets.

3. Consideration of the sufficiency of space within the legal road reserve for proposed and potential future street trees, landscaping and/or underground and overhead services and structures.

4. An assessment of traffic volumes and vehicle operating speeds.

5. An assessment of how the road design is compatible with the character and amenity of the surrounding environment taking into account urban design and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles.

TRA Appendix 1A - Minimum On-site Bicycle Parking Requirements

Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided on-site in accordance with Tables TRA 1A – TRA 1F.

Residential Activities

Commercial Activities

Industrial Activities

Community Activities

Rural Production Activities

Other Activities

Compliance Standards:

1. Short stay bicycle parking space shall not be required in the City Centre Zone.

2. If any activity is not represented above the activity closest in nature to the new activity shall be used, or where there are two or more similar activities in the table above, the activity with the higher parking rate shall apply.

3. Bicycle parking spaces required under Table TRA 1A to TRA 1F above shall provide adequate space to allow cyclists to manoeuvre and attach a bicycle to each stand or parking space.

4. Short stay bicycle parking spaces required under Table TRA 1A to TRA 1F above shall:

   1. Be clearly visible or signposted.

   2. Be located within 30m of public entrances to the activity.

   3. Consist of stands that are securely attached to an immovable object such as a wall or the ground.

5. Long stay bicycle parking spaces required under Table TRA 1A to TRA 1F above shall be undercover, protected from inclement weather and secure from theft.

Note:

1. Where parking is provided, the Building Code requires parking spaces to be provided for people with disabilities and accessible routes from the parking spaces to the associated activity or road. The dimensions and accessible route requirements are detailed in the New Zealand Building Code D1/AS1 New Zealand Standard for Design for Access and Mobility – Buildings and Associated Facilities (NZS 4121:2001).

TRA Appendix 1B - Maximum On-site Car Parking in the City Centre Zone

Any activity located in the City Centre Zone shall provide no more on-site car parking spaces than those specified in Table TRA 2.

TRA Appendix 1C - Minimum On-site Loading Space Requirements

Loading spaces shall be provided on-site in accordance with Table TRA 3 for sites outside of the car parking exemption area detailed in TRA Appendix 1E.

Compliance Standards:

1. Where there are multiple activities on the site and each activity requires loading spaces, the total loading spaces shall be the combined total requirement for all activities.

2. The minimum dimensions of loading spaces shall be:

   1. For industrial activities – 11m long and 3.5m wide.

   2. For any loading spaces designed to accommodate articulated vehicles – 18m long and 3.5m wide.

   3. For all other activities – 9m long and 3.5m wide.

TRA Appendix 1D - Minimum End-of Trip Facilities Requirements

Where long stay bicycle parking spaces are provided, end-of-trip facilities shall be provided on-site in accordance with Table TRA 4. This provision does not apply to residential activities.

TRA Appendix 1E - Loading Space Exemption Areas

Any activity located solely within the shaded area shown in Figure TRA 2 is exempt from providing the minimum loading spaces required in TRA Appendix 1C.

TRA Appendix 1F - Minimum Car Parking Space Dimensions

Any car parking space shall comply with the minimum dimensions in Figure TRA 3 and TRA 4. Dimensions stated in Figure TRA 3 and Figure TRA 4 are in metres.

Note:

1. Parking space dimensions will vary for mobility car park spaces and electric vehicle charging station parking spaces.

Compliance Standards:

1. Dimension C is selected as follows:

   1. C1 - Where parking is to a wall or high kerb not allowing any overhang.

   2. C2 - Where parking is to a low kerb which allows 600mm overhang.

   3. C3 - Where parking is controlled by wheel stops installed at right angles to the direction of parking, or where the ends of parking spaces form a saw tooth pattern.

2. Classifications of off-street car parking facilities are shown in Table TRA 5 (the two Class 3 options given for 90-degree parking are alternatives of equal standing).

Compliance Standards:

1. Spaces shall be located at least 300mm clear of obstructions higher than 150mm such as walls, fences and columns.

2. Where the opposite side of the aisle is bounded by obstructions higher than 150mm, Dimension W shall be increased by at least 0.3m.

3. If a single space is obstructed at both ends, a further 0.3m shall be added to dimensions in this column.

4. Where the aisle is two-way, but parking is on one side only, its width shall be increased by 3m minimum.

5. Where parallel parking is provided on both sides of a two-way aisle, the aisle widths shown shall be provided on each side of the aisle centre line.

6. For parallel parking on both sides of a one-way aisle the aisle width shall be at least twice that shown.

TRA Appendix 2A - Vehicle Crossings Per Site

The number of vehicle crossings per site shall not exceed those stated in Table TRA 6.

Compliance Standards:

1. Where a site has frontage to more than one road, the vehicle entrance must be onto the road that has the lower class in the transport network hierarchy.

2. Where there is more than one road frontage, the frontage measurement will only apply to the road front approved for gaining entrance.

3. Service stations are permitted to provide two crossings per site.

4. Paddock entrances in the Rural Production or Rural Lifestyle Zones, with less than 10 vehicle movements per month, are exempt from the maximum number of vehicle crossings per site detailed in Table TRA 6.

Note:

Vehicle access to all state highways is managed by the New Zealand Transport Agency under the Government Roading Powers Act 1989 and access requires the approval of the New Zealand Transport Agency.

TRA Appendix 2B - Vehicle Crossing Distances from Intersections

Any vehicle crossing shall comply with the minimum distance from intersections as stated in Tables TRA 7A and TRA 7B. Distances are measured along the centreline of the frontage road from the centreline of the vehicle crossing to the edge of the carriageway of the intersecting road.

Speed Limit 50km/hr

Speed Limit Over 50km/hr

TRA Appendix 2C - Vehicle Crossings Sight Distances

Any vehicle crossing shall comply with the minimum sight distance requirements as stated in Table TRA 8. Sight lines shall be contained within the road reserve.

Compliance Standards:

1. Access road sight distances are calculated based upon Approach Sight Distance (ASD) with Reaction Time (RT) of 1.5 seconds.

2. Collector Road sight distances are calculated based upon ASD with RT of 2 seconds.

3. Arterial and Regional road sight distances are calculated based upon Safe Intersection Sight Distance (SISD) with RT of 2 seconds.

4. There shall be lines of clear sight from the driver's eye height (1.15m above ground level) along the lines detailed below and shown in Figure TRA 4A:

   1. Lines AC and BD: All vehicle crossings on all roads.

   2. Lines EC and ED (no permanent obstructions, exclude parked vehicles which might obstruct these sight lines): All vehicle crossings on arterial, collector, access and low volume roads.

   3. Lines EC and ED (no obstructions, parked vehicles not excluded): All vehicle crossings on regional roads.

   4. Points C and D are established by measuring the sight distance from Table TRA 8 along the centre of the appropriate lane from points A and B. For practical purposes A and B can be taken as opposite the centre of the driveway.

TRA Appendix 2D - Performance Standards for Shared Private Access

Except within the Port Nikau Development Area, shared private access shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Table TRA 9A and TRA 9B.

Urban

Rural

Notes:

1. “Urban” includes sites within:

   1. The Future Urban Zone, Settlement Zone Residential or Large Lot Residential Zones where the net site area is less than 2,000m².

   2. The General Residential Zone, Medium Density Residential Zone, City Centre Zone, Mixed Use Zone, Waterfront Zone, Local Centre Zone, Neighbourhood Centre Zone, Ruakaka Equine Zone, Marsden City Precinct or Settlement Zone Centre.

   3. Any Open Space and Recreation Zone adjacent to any of the above.

   4. The Parihaka Environmental Precinct created through PREC12-R8.

2. “Rural” includes sites within:

   1. The Future Urban Zone, Settlement Zone Residential or Large Lot Residential Zones where the net site area is equal to or greater than 2,000m².

   2. The Low Density Residential, Rural Production or Rural Lifestyle Zones (except those under Note 1(d) above).

   3. Any Open Space and Recreation Zone adjacent to any of the above.

3. The New Zealand Fire Service Firefighting Supplies Code of Practice SNZ PAS 4509:2008 and NZ Building Code C/ASI contain guidance on an adequate access to water supply for firefighting purposes.

4. Shared private access for industrial, commercial and community activities fall within the definition of service lane.

Compliance Standards:

1. Where a public sewer pump station or fire hydrant is located within, or accessed via a private accessway, the minimum legal width and total carriageway width shall be at least 4m.

2. Where a private accessway contains public wastewater reticulation the legal width shall be increased by 1.11m.

3. Where a private accessway contains public water reticulation the legal width shall be increased by 0.6m.

4. For curved private accesses, the gradient is measured along the inside radius.

5. The maximum change of grade for a breakover angle on any private access is 10% and the maximum change of grade for a departure angle on any private access is 17% - see Figure TRA 5 below.

TRA Appendix 2E - Railway Level Crossing Sight Triangles and Explanations

Approach Sight Triangles at Level Crossings with Give Way Signs

Except within the Port Nikau Development Area, on sites adjacent to rail level crossings controlled by Give Way Signs, no building, major structure or planting shall be located within the shaded areas shown in Figure TRA 6. These are defined by a sight triangle taken 30m from the outside rail and 320m along the railway track.

Restart Sight Triangles at Level Crossings

On sites adjacent to all rail level crossings, no building, major structure or planting shall be located within the shaded areas shown in Figure TRA 7. These areas are defined by a sight triangle taken 5m from the outside rail and distance A along the railway track. Distance A depends on the type of control (refer Table TRA 12).

Compliance Standards:

1. These conditions apply irrespective of whether any visual obstructions already exist.

2. Approach sight triangles under Figure TRA 6 do not apply for level crossings fitted with alarms and/or barrier arms.

3. Figures TRA 6 and TRA 7 show a single set of rail tracks only. For each additional set of tracks add 25m to the along-track distance in Figure TRA 6, and 50m to the along-track distance in Figure TRA 7.

Note:

1. All figures are based on the sighting distance formula used in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Traffic Control Devices Manual 2008, Part 9 Level Crossings. The formulae in this document are performance based; however, the rule contains fixed parameters to enable easy application of the standard. Approach and restart distances are derived from a:

   1. Train speed of 110 km/h.

   2. Vehicle approach speed of 20 km/h.

   3. Fall of 8% on the approach to the level crossing and a rise of 8% at the level crossing.

   4. 25m design truck length.

   5. 90° angle between road and rail.

TRA Appendix 3 - Transport Network Hierarchy

Whangārei’s roads have been classified into a hierarchy to define their purpose and expectation within the transport network. The hierarchy is two-tiered. The first tier is the One Network Road Classification, which aligns with the national system, and is shown on the Planning Maps. The second tier comprises Regionally Significant Transport Infrastructure as identified in the Regional Policy Statement for Northland 2016. The tiers overlap as some roads are classified under multiple tiers. A description of each category of the hierarchy is set out in Tables TRA 13A and TRA 13B.

TRA Appendix 4 - Strategic Road Protection Areas

Table TRA 14 contains details of the strategic road protection areas shown on the Planning Maps.

* Strategic Road Protection Area “location” is all of Road

Compliance Standards:

1. "x from centre" refers to a distance taken from the centre of the existing legal road. The legal road width varies in these locations and it is not practical to define Strategic Road Protection Areas from the existing edge of the legal road.

2. All other Strategic Road Protection Areas are expressed as the distance from the frontage of sites.

Note:

1. Abbreviations for directions:

   1. N = north

   2. NE = north-east

   3. S = south

   4. SW = south-west

   5. E = east

   6. SE = south-east

TRA Appendix 5 - Integrated Transport Assessment Thresholds

Table TRA 15 should be read in conjunction with Rule TRA-R15.

Compliance Standards:

1. The threshold limits for rows (1) – (19) within Table TRA 15 apply per site or building, whichever is the more restrictive.

2. Temporary activities, rural production activities, general public amenities, network utilities and public playground are exempt from TRA-R15.

Table TRA 16 should be read in conjunction with Rule TRA-R16.

Compliance Standards:

1. The threshold limits for rows (1) – (19) within Table TRA 16 apply per site or building, whichever is the more restrictive.

2. Temporary activities, rural production activities, general public amenities, network utilities and public playground are exempt from TRA-R16.