(1) The Residential Zone covers those areas of the District that have previously  been zoned for residential purposes with some minor expansion in some settlements where the land has been demonstrated to be suitable for residential purposes to meet the foreseeable future demand.

(2) The Residential Zone enables a variety of residential activities and some compatible non residential activities to establish in a manner that ensures that the amenity and character of the residential areas is protected.

(3) The settlements of Waikino, Mackaytown and Karangahake have a servicing constraint (no reticulated sewage treatment and disposal). As such, the performance and subdivision
standards for these settlements have been set at a level that enables servicing on site and recognises a lower density of development that characterises these settlements.

(4) The boundaries of the residential areas in part reflect the physical constraints, historical factors and financial ability to service these areas. Physical boundaries and natural hazards
have defined the residential areas (eg flooding, hills, Ohinemuri River in Paeroa; Waitete Stream, Ohinemuri River and mining areas in Waihi; Piako River in Ngatea). The policies of
protecting land of high productive capability for food production purposes has also constrained not only residential but all urban development.

(5) The residential areas of the District are characterised by low density, low rise housing development and are generally low noise environments with low volumes of through traffic.
Poor house design and siting can lead to a loss of sunlight, daylight and privacy. More intensive development is provided for where the layout is well planned to minimise these
adverse effects, and where infrastructure and other urban amenities are available.

(6) Residential growth areas have been identified in Paeroa and Waihi and in some of the smaller settlements. Structure planning exercises have been undertaken for the majority of
these growth areas to ensure a well planned and integrated approach to transport networks, infrastructure and zoning and to avoid adverse impacts upon identified areas of landscape,
biodiversity, heritage and cultural value.