We recommend checking if your building has an earthquake-prone building notice (EPB) before applying for building consent.

Dunedin currently has over 100 buildings subject to an EPB notice and we expect this number to rise as more assessments are carried out. Owners are required to display notices in prominent locations around the building, the information is also added to the Land Information Memorandum (LIM).

If you are applying for building consent to alter an earthquake-prone building, you have to demonstrate compliance with section 133AT of the Building Act, which makes it easier for owners to carry out earthquake strengthening work.

It's important to remember your applications, including any fire reports and other building consent-related documents, refer to section 133AT (not section 112).

The good news we also waive building consent fees when applications are solely for earthquake strengthening work. Unfortunately, levies still apply! 

Earthquake-prone buildings - what are the DCC costs?

We need to charge to cover the work that the Building Act requires us to do, including:

• identifying potentially earthquake-prone buildings
• requesting and reviewing assessments
• determining if buildings are earthquake-prone
• Checking earthquake-prone building notices are attached to buildings & issuing infringements if notices are not displayed
• reviewing voluntary earthquake information
• keeping and updating records.

For more information about earthquake-prone buildings visit our website.