Building Act Updates
The Building Act
Building work in New Zealand is controlled by the Building Act 2004 and the various Building Regulations which includes the building code.
The legislation is administered nationally by the Department of Building and Housing (DBH) and on a local basis by building consent authorities using a building consent process.
The purpose of the Act is to ensure that buildings:
Are safe, sanitary and have suitable means of escape from fire; and
Contribute to the physical independence and well being of people who use them
Are designed, constructed and able to be used in ways that promote sustainable development.
The regulations prescribe the Building Code with which all building work must comply. Performance standards that must be met include building:
Note: Building Consents authorise "building work" not land use, and Resource Consents authorise land use and not building work.
Building work in New Zealand is controlled by the Building Act 2004 and the various Building Regulations which includes the building code.
The legislation is administered nationally by the Department of Building and Housing (DBH) and on a local basis by building consent authorities using a building consent process.
The purpose of the Act is to ensure that buildings:
Are safe, sanitary and have suitable means of escape from fire; and
Contribute to the physical independence and well being of people who use them
Are designed, constructed and able to be used in ways that promote sustainable development.
The regulations prescribe the Building Code with which all building work must comply. Performance standards that must be met include building:
- Durability
- Fire safety
- Sanitation (services and facilities)
- Moisture control
- Energy efficiency
- Access
Note: Building Consents authorise "building work" not land use, and Resource Consents authorise land use and not building work.