Residential safety guidelinesPrint

  • ​​Orient windows in rooms such as the kitchen and living room to overlook public spaces. 
  • Glazing other areas of residences, such as staircases, can also help to create neighbourhood watch, although not as effective.
  • To retain a visual connection at ground level between the building and the street, define front and back yards with appropriate landscaping or fencing, according to the earlier section.
  • Residential open spaces that face the street should have fencing that does not obscure visibility. This will give residents privacy, while still allowing them to overlook what is going on beyond their section and keeping the public space safe.
  • To strike a balance between privacy and passive surveillance, a level change between the ground floor and the footpath can be helpful. This will limit visibility into the dwelling while still letting residents look out. Make sure that the entrance to the building remains accessible.
  • In situations where views to the street are restricted at ground level, windows and balconies of higher levels should be designed to overlook the street. Semi-solid partitions can be used to create privacy between balconies.
  • Include spaces in the design, such as bay windows or a front porch, where residents can people-watch.
  • For long and narrow sites, the front unit or rooms should have both doors and windows facing the street.
  • To ensure visibility between the building and the street is not obscured, landscaping in the front yard needs to be carefully designed. Consider planting low shrubs or trees with higher canopies.
  • Depending on the nature of the development and the resource consent requirements, it may be necessary to provide the Auckland Council with a landscaping plan showing:
    • plant species
    • locations
    • sizes at the time of planting
    • maximum sizes of plants and trees at maturity
    • height of any tree canopy at maturity.
  • When rear lanes are required, they should:
    • be the shortest, most direct route possible with clear sightlines
    • maximise visibility to garages from overlooking living spaces
    • be designed as shared spaces with appropriate landscaping, lighting, and plans for vehicle and pedestrian circulation
    • be clearly designed as private spaces, with the ability to be secured from public access, if required.
  • Communal open spaces should be located centrally at the rear of the building, and should have sufficient amenities, and be clearly visible by passers-by or neighbours.
  • Entrances to buildings should be easily visible and identifiable from the street, and should not be surrounded by any concealed areas.
  • Entrances and lifts to the carpark should be located in a visible spot with adequate lighting. 
  • Apartment lobbies should be seen from the street.
  • When designing a dwelling adjacent to an accessway, provide windows that overlook the path and use the fencing that does not obstruct visibility between the two sides.

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