10 February 2006

Submission deadline nears for Earthquake-prone Buildings Policy

People wanting to make a submission on the City Council's proposed Earthquake-Prone Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy, have just two weeks left to do so - the submissions deadline being Friday, 24 February.

The Building Act 2004 requires that all territorial authorities have an operational Earthquake-Prone Building Policy by 30 May, 2006, which will eventually bring buildings up to a safety standard of at least 33% of the building code. To date, the minimum safety standard has been 10% of the building code.

The Council's proposed policy sets out: * how it intends to approach these new duties under the Building Act, * its priorities in implementing those duties, and * how this policy will apply to heritage buildings.

In a booklet, "Christchurch plans for safer buildings - The Proposed Earthquake-Prone Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2006", the Council outlines its proposed policy and the legally required Summary of Information on the policy. A freepost feedback form is also available at the back of the booklet for people's comments.

The Summary of Information sets out the three options considered by the Council on how it aims to meet its legal obligations under the new Building Act, while keeping in mind the practicalities of helping building owners and operators accomplish the new safety standards over time. Also being considered in the policy is how it would apply to Heritage Buildings.

The "Christchurch plans for safer buildings - The Proposed Earthquake-Prone Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2006 booklet" is available for viewing and electronic feedback on the Have Your Say on-line www.ccc.govt.nz website. Alternatively, hard copies of the booklet can be picked up from any Council library or service centre.

ENDS

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