L12: NZ Building Act/Code Flashcards
What is the building Act?
The legislation that contains the legal powers to make and enforce the Building Code
Creates management framework of building control systems and assigns responsibilities that regulate building work
What are the Act’s 3 statutory purposes?
- To provide necessary controls for building work and use of buildings
- To ensure buildings are safe/sanitary and have means of escape from fire
- To co-ordinate building controls
What are the 7 principles of the Act?
- Safeguarding people’s well being
- Limiting spread of fire
- Prevent environmental impacts of hazardous substances
- Protection of other property affected by work
- Facilities for people with disabilities
- Conservation of energy
- National costs of building control system
- Sustainable development
What does the building Act NOT control?
Aesthetics
Comfort and convenience
Value for money
What is the building Code
Lays down functional requirements for a building and sets out the performance to be achieved in fulfilling those requirements
What it the structure of performance-based codes?
Purpose - states social objectives in terms of human needs
Functional requirements - describes functions of buildings and their components to meet purpose
Performance - states expected performance of buildings and components to fulfill requirements (brief - specific measurement, or detailed - description)
What are compliance documents?
Building designs that have proven code compliance; Acceptable solutions Verification method Certified products Alternative solutions
How does the Building Code operate?
Performance-based so it encourages technical innovation to employ any solution that meets criteria (also has proven options that comply - compliance documents)
What is the hierarchy of documents starting from the top?
The Building Act Building Regulations (Code) Purpose Functional Requirements Performance --- ^ Mandatory --- Guidance documents: verification methods, acceptable solutions
What organisations are involved with NZ Building Control?
BCAs
TAs
Dept of Building and Housing
What are BCAs and what are they responsible for?
Building Consent Authorities
Responsible for:
- Issues Building Consents, Notices to Fix, Code Compliance Certificates, Compliance Schedules
- Inspects building work for projects given consent
What are TAs and what are they responsible for?
Territorial Authorities Responsible for: - All BCA responsibilities - Issues PIM - Administers Building WOF - Issues Certificates of Acceptance
What is the DBH and what do they do?
Department of Buildings and Housing Manages system that regulates building work; - Reviews building code - Makes compliance documents - Monitors BCAs/TAs - Deals with disputes (determination)
What are the main steps in the building process?
- Apply for PIM (provided within 20 working days)
- Apply for Building Consent - processed by BCA within 20 working days
- Once consent is given, start building (must start within 12 months and be completed within 2 years of consent; design changes require amended consent)
- Co-ordinate building inspections with BCA
- Final sign off (CCC)
^ Final step for residential house with no lift - Ongoing maintenance - issues compliance schedule
What are LBPs and what do they do?
Licensed Building Practitioners - must carry out/supervise restricted work