C1 Objectives of Clauses C2 to C6

Significant high-rise fire events globally have increased our understanding of how fire spreads externally and within modern facade construction. In 2019 MBIE reviewed the existing methods used to demonstrate compliance of external wall cladding systems with building regulations' fire safety objectives. Guidance was provided on how New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) requirements should be interpreted and whether international alternative fire tests and evaluation methods are suitable for use here. Based on the feedback received on the 2019 guidance and subsequent engagement with the industry stakeholders, MBIE has released this revision of guidance on fire performance of external wall cladding systems.

Develop alternative solutions for complying with Building Code clauses C1-C6 Protection from Fire.

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse to grant a building consent for alterations to an existing detached building. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusal and whether sufficient information was included in the building consent application for the authority to be satisfied that the provisions of the Building Code would be met if the building work were properly completed in accordance with the plans and specifications that accompanied the application.

This determination considers whether a building consent authority was correct to propose to refuse an amendment to a building consent. This was due to a dispute with the owner over the maximum allowable area of an intermediate floor used for the storage of materials associated with a manufacturing, servicing and repair business. The determination considers the change in the intended use of the building during the course of the building work from a “warehouse” to a “workshop”, the means of compliance, and the area of the intermediate floor.