Bulk & Location Services
Thinking about extending or renovating your Auckland home? Your architectural house plans need to meet all the council requirements before construction begins. A bulk and location plan shows what's buildable on your property and confirms you're meeting every district plan requirement.
At Mako Architecture, we take the stress out of this key step, handling everything from exact site measurements to complex analysis of the relevant regulations. Ready to understand your property’s full potential? Book a consultation today!
Our Bulk and Location Study Process
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Property Assessment and Measurements
Every bulk and location study begins with a site visit. We’ll conduct precise measurements of any existing structures, boundary lines, and site features, while assessing topography, access points, and any other physical constraints that could affect development plans.
We’ll review your property title documents and identify easements, covenants, or restrictions that might impact what you’re able to build. This thorough preparation ensures our plan accurately reflects your property’s current state and provides a solid foundation for understanding your development options.
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Council Requirements Analysis
Understanding Auckland Council’s planning rules is critical to determining what you can build. We’ll research your property’s specific zoning requirements and district plan rules, calculating key factors like building coverage, site coverage, height limits, and setback distances from boundaries.
Our bulk and location services will identify any special overlays or restrictions affecting your property, such as heritage protections, coastal environment zones, or significant ecological areas.
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Development Potential Report
Following the assessment, we’ll create a comprehensive development potential report. This document includes a precise plan showing your existing structures, property boundaries, proposed development footprint, and compliance with all height, setback, and coverage regulations.
We’ll provide clear recommendations on what’s achievable within your property’s constraints, helping you understand the maximum development potential while maintaining full compliance.
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Documentation for Consent Applications
The final step is to prepare the documentation for your building consent application. Our bulk and location plan includes full technical specs, accurate site plans, and full-scope reports that meet Auckland Council’s submission requirements.
We’ll coordinate with any other required reports, such as geotechnical or stormwater assessments, and provide ongoing support throughout the consent process. Our thorough documentation streamlines the process, reducing project delays.
Why Choose Mako Architecture for Bulk and Location Plans in Auckland?
Getting your bulk and location study right from the start sets the foundation for a smooth, successful project. We combine technical expertise with in-depth knowledge of Auckland’s planning regulations, ensuring your development plans are both ambitious and achievable.
Our extensive experience with Auckland Council requirements and district plan variations across different zones ensures your plan meets all regulatory standards.
Our detailed site analysis identifies maximum development potential while maintaining full compliance with council regulations.
Accurate measurements and complete documentation streamline the consent process and help avoid costly construction delays.
Our collaborative approach keeps you informed from the initial assessment through to council approval, ensuring your vision is feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A bulk and location plan is required whenever you plan work that affects your property’s building footprint, coverage, or height. This includes home extensions, new builds, major renovations, or any work that increases the size of existing structures.
Auckland Council requires this documentation to verify your proposed development complies with district rules before granting consent. Without it, you won’t be able to proceed with consent applications for most residential developments.
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Your bulk and location plan proves your project's compliance with the Auckland Unitary Plan. Depending on where your property sits, these rules cover:
Building height
Yard setbacks
Site coverage
Impervious surface area
Building coverage
We take these requirements and create a visual plan that shows exactly how your proposed build works within the limits. When the council reviews your application, they'll use this plan to confirm your project fits the standards of your property's zone.
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Bulk and location services focus on regulatory compliance—showing where buildings sit on your property and confirming they meet council regulations. Full architectural design develops the detailed plans for how your project will look and function, including floor plans, elevations, materials, and interior layouts.
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It’s best to get your bulk and location study done early in the planning process; ideally, before finalising design concepts. This ensures you understand development constraints from the start, preventing costly redesigns later.
We recommend completing it once you have a general idea of what you want to build, but before working with an architectural draughtsman.
Contact Mako Architecture Today
Our bulk and location services give you clarity on what's buildable on your property. Before you invest in detailed designs or engage an interior design architect, we'll measure your site, sort out the council side of things, and create the documentation needed to get your consent application moving.
Get in touch with Mako Architecture today to schedule your consultation and discover the potential of your property.