Consultation for the Dangerous, Affected, and Insanitary Buildings Policy

We need your feedback on our review of the Dangerous, Affected, and Insanitary Buildings Policy.

A key purpose of the Building Act 2004 is to ensure that people who use buildings can do so safely, without endangering their health and can escape from a building in the event of a fire. The Act requires each territorial authority to have a policy for dangerous, affected, and insanitary buildings, and to review that policy every five years to make sure it’s fit-for-purpose.

All buildings are required to meet the applicable standards when they are built but they may become dangerous and/or insanitary overtime.

Renaming the policy and incorporating new guidance issued through MBIE requires us to reconsult with the public. Council agreed to consult with the community on the adoption of an updated policy on 4 September 2024. The new policy reflects best practice and incorporates operational improvements. It also provides greater clarity of Council roles and process.

Before we can adopt the updated policy, we want to hear your feedback. Completing our online form is the best way to give us your feedback. Alternatively, paper submission forms are available at Council reception and Upper Hutt Central Library.

Submissions close on 27 October 2024.

Next steps

Step 1 – Read the Statement of Proposal

Available in the ‘Supporting Information’ section, this document explains the background and issues identified, along with the possible approaches we considered. Printed copies are also available at:

• Upper Hutt City Council,
  838 – 842 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
• Upper Hutt Central Library,
  844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Step 2 - Make a submission

• Complete the online submission form on this page.
• If you prefer, pre-printed submission forms are available at Council reception or Upper Hutt Central Library. You can drop your completed form off at one of these locations, or Freepost it at any NZPost post box.

Note: If you would like your name to be withheld from the public documents, please indicate this in your submission.

Step 3 (Optional) – Speak with us

After the consultation closes, there may be an opportunity for people to speak to Councillors to give their feedback in person. If you would like to do this, please let us know on your submission form and we will send you details about the meeting closer to the time.

After that, Councillors will consider all feedback, and then decide on how to proceed.

Submissions close 27 October 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact us at letskorero@uhcc.govt.nz or call us on 04 527 2169.