Exemptions from carrying out seismic work
A guide to the earthquake-prone building provisions of the Building Act and regulations.
This guide describes the process for applying for, granting and revoking exemptions, and explains the required building characteristics. It also includes scenarios to illustrate the decision-making process, and provides a link to a suggested template letter from territorial authorities to building owners.
It will be of interest to owners of earthquake-prone buildings, building professionals advising them, and territorial authorities deciding whether to grant exemptions.
Also refer to:
- Building Act 2004: Subpart 6A of Part 2 contains the earthquake-prone building provisions
- Building (Specified Systems, Change the Use, and Earthquake-prone Buildings) Regulations 2005 – regulation 10 and schedule 4 relate to exemptions
- The EPB methodology, set under section 133AV of the Building Act, which includes how territorial authorities can be satisfied a building or part is earthquake prone under the Building Act (refer to section 3.4 of the methodology)
- Building (Infringement Offences, Fees, and Forms) Regulations 2007 (as amended).
Earthquake-prone building resources gives links for other information and guidance, including for priority buildings.
This document is a guide only. It should not be used as a substitute for legislation or legal advice. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in this document, or for any errors or omissions.