Site Use
Considering how a building and site impact on each other, enhancing energy efficiency, comfort and convenience.
Driveway access
Most District Plans require the provision of some off-street parking for vehicles, regardless of zoning. Each district has rules regarding the number of driveways, width of access at street frontage, distance from intersections and maximum permissible gradients permitted. Check off-street parking requirements at the preliminary design stage of a building project.
Access to the site will be determined by the garage or car parking location and the shape and topography of the site.
Generally, driveways should:
- have a single vehicle access point to minimise the impact on the site
- be kept as short as possible to minimise the impact on the site or planting – this may not be possible on steep sites where the shape and location of the driveway may be determined by the maximum permitted gradient
- be located away from bedrooms and living areas to minimise noise
- be away from and if possible fenced off from outdoor living and play areas.
Where pedestrian and vehicular access onto a site is shared, provide safe pedestrian access by clearly defining a footpath and using a kerb to clarify the separation if possible.