The government has announced proposed legislative changes aimed at making the earthquake-prone building (EPB) system more risk-based and proportionate. The changes are designed to target buildings that pose the greatest risk to life safety, while improving affordability, reducing unnecessary costs and disruption, particularly in regional communities.

The proposed changes include:

• Removing low risk buildings and buildings in low seismic zones (Auckland, Northland and the Chatham Islands) from the EPB system.
• Introducing tiered risk mitigation requirements, making use of new engineering methodologies, based on location and building type.
• Allowing building owners to apply for deadline extensions, provided they can meet key criteria.
• Reducing barriers to seismic strengthening by removing the requirement for concurrent fire and accessibility upgrades.

The changes will be given effect through the Building (Earthquake-prone Building System Reform) Amendment Bill, which the Government aims to introduce as soon as possible.

Read the Government’s announcement:

Earthquake-prone building system refocused(external link) – Beehive.govt.nz

Read the cabinet paper, cabinet minute, reports, and supporting analysis:

Proposed changes to the earthquake-prone building (EPB) system

Image: Wellington City Council