Outside the Ban

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 803, 25 October 1929, Page 10

Outside the Ban

Multi-Family Flats Allowed

PENDING the preparation of a comprehensive town-plan-ning scheme, the Town Planning Committee of the Auckland City Council has formulated a set of tentative conditions covering the erection of multi-family dwellings, which have been frlely discussed in connection with the recent “bachelor-flat” controversy. The report, which was presented to the council last evening, is issued as a guide to those who contemplate the erection of flats, or multi-family dwellings.

Tile committee, which spent a great deal ot time in preparing the conditions, makes clear at the outset that notwithstanding anything in the report the council may absolutely or conditionally refuse the granting of a permit, if it believes the proposed building to be contrary to the principles of town planning, or if it injuriously affects the amenities of the neighbourhood. A “multi-family dwelling’’ is described as a building for three or more families, and “family” is one or more persons occupying a dwelling, and maintaining a separate house. A dwelling must have at least 360 square feet of floor space for the exclusive use of the occupants, and shall contain at least one room of a floor area of not less than 130 square feet. Every sleeping room shall have a floor area of not less than 80 square feet, and each room in any dwelling constructed must be so laid out as will enable it to obtain adequate light and air. HEALTH AND SAFETY All buildings erected in future or converted for the purpose of use as multi-family dwellings shall conform with the Municipal Corporations Act and with the existing by-laws and, in addition, conform with recognised principles of town planning as regards provisions for public health, safety, convenience, amenities and general welfare of the citizens. “Multi-family” dwellings are to be permitted in the brick area, and such further business areas as may be defined by the council, except business areas zoned or otherwise set aside for heavy, dangerous, or offensive industries. In special circumstances, permits may be granted at the discretion of the council in other areas where the erection of multi-family dwellings would not conflict with town-planning principles or injuriously affect the amenities of the neighbourhood. In the inner brick area no multifamily dwellings must cover more than half of the area of such section. In the case of a section abutting in the rear for its full width or one side for its whole length on a public park, road, or any open space

of a combined depth of 50ft or more (measured at rigbt angles to the rear or side boundaries, as the case may be), which is dedicated to the public, or the maintenance of which as an open space is secured to the satisfaction of the council, two-thirds of the area of such section may be built upon. In the case of districts other than the inner brick area, in which multifamily dwellings are permitted, such buildings are to cover not more than one-third of the area of such sections. In the case of sections abutting in the rear for their full width or one side for their whole length upon a public park, road, or any open space of a combined depth of 50ft or more (measured at right angles to the rear or side boundaries, as the case may be), which is dedicated to the public, or the maintenance of which as an open space is secured to the satisfaction of the council, one-half of the area of such section may be built upon. QUESTION OF ACCESS The open spaces defined shall be so arranged that provision is made for a minimum of 4ft of unobstructed width, open to the sky, providing direct access from the rear of the section to a public thoroughfare, and such open spaces as is not connected with a similar passage-way must not be included In calculation of the open spaces prescribed herein. Any multi-family dwelling hereinafter erected or converted in the inner brick area shall not exceed in height 65 feet measured in accordance with the existing by-laws, except in the case of streets predominately residential in character, when the height shall not exceed 55ft. In all other districts the height shall not exceed 35ft. All multi-family dwellings are to provide exits for escape in the case of fire, to the satisfaction of the fire board. On the recommendation of the committee it was resolved that the Townplanning Board should be requested to arrange for the drafting of a set of model by-laws for the guidance of local authorities In dealing with contentious matters connected with townplanning.