Earthquake-Prone Buildings
The Building Act 2004 requires all Territorial Authorities to adopt a policy on Earthquake-prone buildings and to assess public buildings and some large residential buildings (such as multi-unit residential apartments) for earthquake resistance.
The Building Act (Section 122) and related regulations set out that a building is earthquake prone if the building is likely to collapse in a moderate earthquake (taking into account its condition, the ground on which it is built, and its construction) causing injury or death to people in the building and nearby, and damage to other property. The provisions do not apply to single-storey residential buildings or household units of two or less units.
A moderate earthquake (Section 122, Building Act) is defined as:
in relation to a building, an earthquake that would generate shaking at the site of the building that is of the same duration as, but that is one-third as strong as, the earthquake shaking (determined by normal measures of acceleration, velocity and displacement) that would be used to design a new building at the site.
Will my property be affected?
Properties in an apartment block, multi-storey residential building, non-residential building or structure are subject to the Earthquake-prone building policy. The requirements do not apply if the property is a small residential building, such as a single or two-storey house.
The Earthquake-prone Buildings Policies of the Councils in the Waikato Building Consent Group can be viewed (as PDFs) by clicking the links below.
Otorohanga District Council: Earthquake-Prone Building Policy 2006 (PDF 31kb)
Matamata-Piako District Council: Earthquake-Prone, Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy (PDF 256kb)
Waikato District Council: Earthquake Prone, Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings (PDF 134kb)
Waipa District Council: Earthquake-Prone Building Policy 2006 (PDF 44kb)
Hamilton City Council: Earthquake-Prone, Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy (PDF 132kb)
Should I buy a building (or an apartment or commercial space in a building) that may be earthquake-prone?
As when buying any property, you should arrange for checks or surveys by a professional and independent person or organisation. This will help you understand the implications before proceeding with the purchase. This information may also be available in a Land Information Memorandum (LIM).
Page last updated: 2012-03-19
