 As of 2014, the majority land use within Sheaoak Flat is “primary production.” The remainder of the locality's zones are located in a strip of load adjoining the coastline.The land associated with the area of low density residential and associated buildings (described as a “village environment” in local government documents) at the east end of Sheoak Flat Road is zoned as “settlement” while the land between it and the coastline is zoned as “coastal open space” which is reserved both for community use and as a buffer against sea level rise.A strip of land extending immediately north from the ‘village’ area to the locality's northern boundary is zoned as “rural living” where residential development is to be provided on “large allotments.” The remainder of the land adjoining the coastline is zoned from “coastal conservation” where “natural features” are to be retained and human activity is to have a minimal impact.