Volume One 12. Urban Environments [D] Policy 12.2.5 – Where resource consent is required, ensure that subdivision and/or residential development within Urban Residential Zones is undertaken in a manner that: (a) provides for the maintenance of those attributes contributing to the residential character of the locality, as expressed in Policies 12.1.2 to 12.1.4, Policy 12.1.6 and Policies 12.2.1 to 12.2.3; (b) maintains and/or enhances the residential environment of the area for the wider community; (c) ensures that the site can be adequately serviced (stormwater, sewer and water), accessed and/or otherwise adequately managed; and (d) ensures that the effects of any natural hazards are able to be avoided, remedied or mitigated. Where resource consent is required for subdivision or development within the Urban Residential Zones, the matters in this policy will help to determine whether the subdivision or development is appropriate. In particular, matters concerning the character of the locality and urban amenity values are important in regard to 7(c) and (f) of the RMA. Other matters concerning the discharge of domestic wastewater are equally important and regard is to be had to the policies of Chapter 16 - Waste to assist in giving effect to this policy. [D] Policy 12.2.6 – Establish minimum allotment standards for the subdivision of land for residential purposes to ensure the outcomes in Policy 12.2.5 are met. The policy identifies that minimum allotment sizes will be established so that subdivision does not detract from the characteristics and amenity of the residential environment as identified in Policies 12.1.2 to 12.1.4, Policy 12.1.6 and Policies 12.2.1 to 12.2.3. [D] Policy 12.2.7 – To provide for the protection of community health and wellbeing, noise limits have been established that are consistent with the character and amenity of the residential areas. The adverse effects of noise are an issue in urban environments where noise may impact on people's health and their enjoyment of the area in which they live. While background noise is unavoidable, lower density residential environments generally enjoy lower ambient noise levels and lack intrusive noise. Higher density residential environments can expect similar protection, but it is recognised that as they are in closer to main roads and business activities, residents can anticipate a higher level of noise to occur. To ensure that the character and amenity of the urban environment is maintained, limits on noise through permitted activity standards will be imposed. [D] Policy 12.2.8 – Require signs to be designed and located to maintain residential amenity by being of an appropriate size and limited in number to convey information about the name, location and nature of the on-site activity to passing pedestrians and vehicles. Signs advertising non-residential activities and home occupations in residential areas have the potential to reduce the level of residential amenity. Depending upon their size, colour and location on a site or building, these signs can bring aspects of the business zone into residential areas. Limitations will therefore be imposed on the use of signs in Urban Residential Zones. 12 – 9