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The Rural Residential Zone is a common zoning designation within the hinterland of the Gold Coast and is often referred to as \"lifestyle blocks.\" Rural Residential properties are usually around 4,000m2 to 20,000m2 and are often improved by a single Dwelling House. They also commonly include vegetation and waterways.
Areas of the City where the Rural Residential Zone is common includes:
The purpose of the Rural Residential Zone under the Gold Coast City Plan is to provide for residential development on large lots where local government infrastructure and services may not be provided, on the basis that the intensity of residential development is generally dispersed.
What this means is that the desired land use within the Rural Residential Zone is residential, and that all development is generally dispersed over larger allotments. Services are also limited in most Rural Residential areas, although most properties are provided with access to a Council water main. On-site sewerage systems are provided to approximately 99.9% of Rural Residential properties.
So, what development opportunities exist within the Rural Residential Zone? The opportunity for subdivision exists if you have a property over 8,000m2. This is discussed in another learning hub discussion (see link: https://alignplanning.com.au/rural-residential-subdivision-opportunities-within-the-gold-coast/). In terms of possible land uses that you can establish within the Rural Residential Zone (on any lot size), single Dwelling Houses and Secondary Dwellings (Granny Flats) are common. Limited opportunities exist for commercial uses, including:
In Align’s experience, the City of Gold Coast’s key consideration when reviewing commercial uses within the Rural Residential Zone is the impact they may have on the amenity of existing residents. Council understands that many existing residents of the Rural Residential areas of the city have an expectation of minimal amenity impacts (noise, lighting, traffic, etc.). Council will require applicants to demonstrate that the amenity impacts to neighbouring residents are negligible, or support for a commercial use is unlikely.
It is important to note that the Rural Residential Zone also includes an additional precinct, known as the Landscape and Environment Precinct. Should your property be located within the precinct, it is likely to have further restrictions regarding its development potential. For example, the minimum lot size within the Landscape and Environment Precinct is 16,000m2, instead of 4,000m2 if you are not within the precinct. Properties within the Landscape and Environment Precinct are traditionally larger properties (usually over 16,000m2), but can also include smaller lots. It is important to check if your property falls within the Landscape and Environment Precinct before proceeding with any development application.
Whether you already own a property within the Rural Residential Zone or are looking at purchasing one and want to know what development options you may have, contact Align Planning today and we would be happy to help.