Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy
Submissions are now closed on this policy
What is being proposed?
Council is proposing to amend the Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy to include ‘affected buildings’ to keep in step with changes to the Building Act 2004, and ensure our Policy is fit for purpose.
Background
We like to think of our Building Control Unit as the guardians of our built environment. They are responsible for ensuring a safe residential and commercial environment for workers, residents and visitors to our District, in accordance with the provisions of the Building Act 2004. Council also has a responsibility as a regulator and Building Consent Authority to ensure the purposes of the Building Act 2004 are being met. This varies from inspecting and consenting building developments to the strict standards set by the legislation; to ensuring existing buildings are safe and hazards are dealt with.
Our current Dangerous and Insanitary Building Policy is an important tool to help us:
- reduce the risk unsafe buildings pose;
- to improve the control of, and encourage better design and construction of buildings; and
- to provide a clear framework for how Council will manage buildings which may pose a risk to our community and visitors.
We like to think of our Building Control Unit as the guardians of our built environment. They are responsible for ensuring a safe residential and commercial environment for workers, residents and visitors to our District, in accordance with the provisions of the Building Act 2004. Council also has a responsibility as a regulator and Building Consent Authority to ensure the purposes of the Building Act 2004 are being met. This varies from inspecting and consenting building developments to the strict standards set by the legislation; to ensuring existing buildings are safe and hazards are dealt with.
Our current Dangerous and Insanitary Building Policy is an important tool to help us:
- reduce the risk unsafe buildings pose;
- to improve the control of, and encourage better design and construction of buildings; and
- to provide a clear framework for how Council will manage buildings which may pose a risk to our community and visitors.
Proposed Changes
An amendment to the Building Act in 2013 requires Council’s current Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy to be amended to take into account ‘affected buildings’.
Having reviewed the Policy, we are proposing to include consideration for affected buildings in all instances were Council currently considers dangerous buildings.
We have included the full draft policy in this Statement of Proposal with the proposed changes marked in red.
An amendment to the Building Act in 2013 requires Council’s current Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy to be amended to take into account ‘affected buildings’.
Having reviewed the Policy, we are proposing to include consideration for affected buildings in all instances were Council currently considers dangerous buildings.
We have included the full draft policy in this Statement of Proposal with the proposed changes marked in red.
What is an “affected building”?
These are buildings that pose a risk to users and/or passers-by because of their proximity to dangerous buildings.
The Building Act states a building is an affected building if it is adjacent to, adjoining, or nearby to a dangerous building or a dangerous dam.*
* Building Act 2004, Section 121A
These are buildings that pose a risk to users and/or passers-by because of their proximity to dangerous buildings.
The Building Act states a building is an affected building if it is adjacent to, adjoining, or nearby to a dangerous building or a dangerous dam.*
* Building Act 2004, Section 121A
Options
Council’s preferred option is to adopt the draft Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy as presented. It is a legislative requirement for Council to take into account affected buildings so we don’t have an option around this. Because this Policy is largely dictated by the Building Act 2004, there isn’t a lot of wiggle room on many of the provisions. However, we would like to know if you think there are areas we could change or improve on to make the Policy more effective.
Are there other policy option you think we should consider? Tell us in your feedback.
Draft Dangerous, Affected and Insanitary Buildings Policy
Click here to read the Draft Policy (Note: All proposed changes to the current policy are marked in red)
Last updated: 20 Jul 2021