22 October 2019
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Businesses operating out of houses
Enquiry
I've been able to get some comment around the data you've provided about businesses operating out of residential homes and have the following questions. I will need a response by 4pm Monday please.
- How does the city's zoning/district/spatial plan allow for businesses to operate out of residential houses?
- Does the council consider it to be a factor exacerbating the housing shortage? Why/why not?
- Given the city's housing shortage and the empty shops in the CBD, is the council doing anything/considering ways to incentivise businesses to move into the CBD and out of these houses?
- Has the council put anything in place to stop more businesses taking houses out of the residential housing pool in light of the recent (of the last couple years) housing shortage?
- What could be some of the reasons why businesses would set up in a residential house, as opposed to commercial premises in Rotorua? (e.g. is it cheaper rates/rent? )
- A real estate agent said the council should have never allowed businesses to set up in residential houses, what is the council's response to this?
*NOTE: This enquiry follows on from initial enquiry about this topic - see THIS LINK for the initial enquiry and response
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
"Many factors are contributing to Rotorua's current housing shortage.
"Until a few years ago we didn't have population growth, things like short-term rentals didn't have as big an impact on housing supply as they do now, and there wasn't the same level of demand for new development. Population growth has put the pressure on housing and development hasn't happened as quickly as any of us would like.
"All this highlights the need for a district housing plan and that work is underway. We need more housing of all types and it will require a collective response, working collaboratively with others, including Government and its agencies, to provide the solutions our community needs."
Information below can be attributed to Operations Group Manager Henry Weston:
Businesses have operated out of residential houses in Rotorua for many years with no significant impact on the housing market. The housing shortage is a relatively new issue, resulting from a number of contributing factors, many of which Council is looking to address.
Work has started on development of a district housing plan (see HERE on Council's website) with a series of workshops and drop-in sessions facilitated by Council with key stakeholders and the public. An update on this work is expected to be reported to elected members later this year.
Businesses operating from houses:
We believe the impact of businesses operating from houses is minor in comparison to other issues. An increasing population and new builds not keeping up with demand are more significant contributors to the housing shortage.
All commercial activities and businesses Council is aware of are charged commercial rates regardless of the building they operate out of.
You would need to ask businesses why they choose to operate out of a house.
CBD:
In July this year Council gave approval for Council staff to explore the potential of rates relief as a way to incentivise inner city development, building improvements and conversion to inner city living. This work is yet to get underway. Development of options will include working with stakeholders (including developers, property owners and the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce) and consulting the public, with a view to developing a local policy that could support development and investment decisions.
District Plan and zoning:
Converting an entire residential house into a business premises requires resource consent under the current District Plan. The Plan discourages businesses establishing in residential zones as a means to encourage business growth in the CBD so it is more difficult now to convert a residence into business premises.
However, if a premises has existing use rights as a business, they may continue to operate as a business even if the original business moves on or the property is sold.
City zoning determines what level of effects (traffic, noise, waste etc) are reasonable within a zone. ________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Mobility parking
Enquiry
We've been forwarded an email about the council getting on board with a report mobility parking app that will allow users to alert the council in real-time to people abusing mobility parks.
I just have a couple questions which I will need answers to by 2pm today please.
- Why is the council supporting this app?
- In what capacity will the council support the app?
- Please provide some data around how many tickets are issued weekly to people using mobility parking without a permit
When did the council sign on with the app and how much use has it had locally so far?
Response
From Kurt Williams, Council's Manager, Community & Regulatory Services:
CCS Disability Action asked Rotorua Lakes Council to be involved in the Access Aware app initiative which allows the public to assist in policing the use of mobility parks to help ensure they are available for those they are intended for.
We are supportive of the initiative and have integrated the app into our parking monitoring system. Our parking wardens receive notifications via the app, alerting them to vehicles using mobility parks incorrectly.
Discussions about incorporating the app into our monitoring system began in July this year. To date the app has minimal use locally. Usage may increase with greater awareness of the app.
There have been 42 infringements since May for unauthorised vehicles parking in a mobility park in Rotorua.
