Owners of some Dunedin commercial properties will need to act more quickly to make sure their buildings meet required standards.

Some commercial buildings must have an annual building warrant of fitness (BWOF) to make sure their buildings are safe to use. From 1 January 2019, the DCC is tightening the process around BWOF renewals.

Public safety is always the main concern. By tightening the process, the DCC is encouraging commercial building owners to better comply with the regulations and make Dunedin buildings safer.

The Building Act 2004 requires owners of buildings with specified systems to supply councils with an annual BWOF. The purpose of the BWOF is to make sure the specified systems listed in the compliance schedule, such as sprinkler system and lifts, are working as they should.

Under the new process, action will be taken sooner to chase up building owners with unwarranted buildings and there will be tougher penalities for owners who don't comply promptly with the rules.

Most of the 1500 commercial buildings in Dunedin, which require a BWOF have owners who meet the annual requirements. The DCC has written to the owners of the 1500 buildings to advise them of the change.  Its estimated the change will affect the owners of about 200 buildings.