After the earthquakes, properties identified as affected by or at risk from rockfall, cliff collapse or mass movement were included within slope instability hazard areas - called slope instability overlays - in the District Plan.
In the slope instability overlays, most development requires resource consent.
However, hazard removal works done over the past few years, coupled with new technical information, means some properties are now considered at less risk.
Last year, the city council sought to amend the overlays using a plan change process under the Resource Management Act. That process culminated on Thursday when the council agreed to the changes.
Updating the overlays will affect 84 properties, 83 of which have less restrictive rules, offering property owners certainty and reduced costs when developing their properties.
The council has contacted affected property owners throughout the formal plan change process.
There is now an appeal period, before a council decision to make the plan change operative.
