On 13 April 2022, Property Council submitted our written submission to Hamilton City Council on their Draft Development Contribution Policy Update 2022.
Why it matters to our members
Property Council advocates for the creation and retention of a well-designed, functional and sustainable built environment. The Draft Development Contribution Policy Update 2022 outlines changes to development contribution framework in Hamilton, which will have an impact on new development across the city. We firmly believe that it is important that the voice of the property sector is heard at the decision-making table.
Our view
Property Council’s submission supported elements of the proposed update to HCC’s DC Policy, however there were also areas of serious concern. Our recommendations would address these concerns and contribute to a more effective and equitable update to HCC’s Development Contribution Policy.
We supported:
- The proposed exclusion from the definition of Gross Floor Area (“GFA”) of building overhangs and eaves of up to 1m on residential properties, the proposed exclusion of temporary structures and the proposed exclusion of residential car parking.
- The proposed reduction of Stormwater Development Contributions for multi-level dwellings with four or more bedrooms; and
- The proposed partial development contribution remission for state-integrated schools that provide public access to their amenities.
We did not support:
- The proposed expansion of the definition of GFA to include both the area beneath permanent outdoor structures and canopies, as well as parking that is provided on a commercial basis.
We therefore recommended:
- HCC does not expand the definition of GFA at all;
- HCC exclude building overhangs and eves on commercial developments in their entirety.