Home Enterprises

Working from the family home or property

Working from your home in the Western Bay of Plenty District is a permitted activity and does not require resource consent or neighbours permission so long as you meet the criteria outlined for the zone you are living in.

Before beginning your home enterprise, it is wise to consult with Council to discuss your individual circumstances and ensure you meet all the criteria outlined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home enterprise?

The District Plan (chapter 3) is made up of a list of definitions. The District Plan defines a Home Enterprise' as meaning:

The use of a site for an activity which is secondary and incidental to the use of the site for residential purposes for an occupation, excluding occupations already provided as Permitted, Controlled or Discretionary Activities in the zone, which is carried out by at least one person who resides permanently on the subject site.

Provided that:

"Home Enterprise" does not include kennels/catteries, beekeeping or medical or scientific facilities in the Residential Zone.

What criteria do I need to meet?

The District Plan sets out different criteria depending on the zone your home is located in.

Rural, lifestyle, future urban and rural-residential zones - home enterprise criteria:

1. Shall be conducted within a building floor area not exceeding 120m2 or an outdoor area not exceeding 500m2.
2. Does not have access within 30m of a state highway.
3. Is carried out by a maximum of three persons.
4. Any retailing shall occur within a floor area not exceeding 20m2.
5. One car parking space is required per 120m2 of site area dedicated to the use of the home enterprise.
6. Does not involve sales of products other than those produced on the site. (This does not apply to the sale of any goods stored, distributed and manufactured off the site that are sold via the internet).
7. Advertising complies with signage rules (see below).

Residential zones - home enterprise criteria:

1. Shall be conducted within a building floor area not exceeding 25m2.
2. Is carried out by a maximum of three persons.
3. No additional parking spaces are required for permitted home enterprises in the residential zone.
4. Does not involve the sale of products other than those produced on the site. (This does not apply to the sale of any goods stored, distributed and manufactured off the site that are sold via the internet).
5. Advertising shall comply with the specified rules (see below).

Can I put up signage for a home enterprise?

Signage associated with a home enterprise is permitted subject to the size and content for the zone the home enterprise is located in.

Rural zone/future urban:

In conjunction with a home enterprise, a sign with a maximum cumulative area of 3m2 per lot for the purposes of advertising the services offered or the sale of goods/produce manufactured or grown on the lot on which the sign(s) are to be located, and/or signs stating the occupants name, profession, occupation, trade or property name.

Residential, lifestyle and rural-residential zones:

A sign stating occupant's name, occupation or property name limited to a maximum area of 0.5m2.

What if I can't meet the home enterprise requirements?

As soon as you breach any of the criteria, you will need to apply for a resource consent.

Resource Management Act - Certificate of Compliance

If you would like to voluntarily formalise your home enterprise and have it issued with a certificate of compliance that you can display, you can apply to Council with the necessary information to confirm you meet all the relevant rules of the District Plan. This process takes 20 working days subject to receiving sufficient information.

Further information

Please contact Council's customer service planner via our Customer Service Planner if you would like further information or refer to information in the District Plan and application form.

Please note: This information has been produced to assist you in understanding planning rules and procedures. It does not contain all District Plan or statutory requirements.