Christchurch City Council is considering a requirement that new properties be built further away from the sea and rivers than at present.
Raising the floor level of new buildings is also under consideration as part of its planning for rising sea levels due to climate change.
The proposals, in the council's draft Climate Smart Strategy were unveiled on Friday.
The council says it needs to reduce and manage the expected effects of climate change in Christchurch.
These include a 50cm to 80cm rise in the sea level, a two degree temperature increase and extreme weather changes within 100 years.
The council is seeking responses from the public before enforcing any changes, and is inviting submissions.
