Designation of areas for emergency management of buildings

Designations are required to be reviewed every 90 days by Tasman District Council and Civil Defence Emergency Management, to confirm that the powers conferred by the designation are continued to be required to manage the response and recovery.

There are no previous designations from emergency events.

What is a designated area?

The first step in managing affected buildings after an emergency under the Building Act 2004 is to establish a designated area, under section 133BC of that Act.

What does a designation do?

Once a designated area is in place, the designation powers allow the Tasman District Council to:

• Enter buildings to complete post-event assessments and place placards, notices, and signs on buildings.
• Carry out work to, or demolish, any buildings that pose an immediate risk to life, or risk damage or disruption to neighbouring buildings or public thoroughfares
• Require building owners to provide information, such as detailed engineering assessments to help determine the risks posed to buildings
• Require damaged buildings to be repaired or demolished on a case by case basis.

How long will it be a designated area?

Until all buildings within the area are deemed safe. Tasman District Council must review the designation at least every 90 days, and notify the public of the outcome of this review. A designation of an area can be in force for up to three years and can be subsequently extended one time for a further three years, during which certain powers may be exercised.