BUILDING BY-LAWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20981, 18 September 1931, Page 10

BUILDING BY-LAWS.

AMENDMENTS TO BILL. . REDUCTION OF SPECIAL FEE. COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS [by telegraph.—-SPECIAL reporter.] WELLINC.TON, Thursrlay. Several amendments to tlic Building Construction Bill have been recommended by tho Local Bills Committee, which reported to the House of Representatives this evening. Tho main purpose of the bill is to ensure greater safety in building design against earthquake risks. The committee recommends the reduction by half of tho special fee chargeable for building permits. Tho imposition of this fee was one of the main proposals in the original bill, the charge being fixed at 5 per cent., of the cost of the building, and this has now been reduced to 1-8 per cent. A new clause has been inserted authorising the Minister of Public Works to appoint a technical advisory committee, comprising the Engineer-in-Chief to the Public Works Department, a registered engineer appointed on the recommendation of the Society of Civil Engineers, an architect nominated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, a registered engineer nominated by the Municipal Association an engineer nominated by the Counties Association, and two others possessing scientific or technical qualifications. Tho committee will advise the Minister on building construction and design and the application of any regulations or by-laws made.

Tho Minister is empowered t;o amend a permit issued by a local authority if he is advised it has been granted contrary to th.e regulations. In addition, the provisions covering the model building by-laws have been revised so that the Minister may now issue building by-laws and by Order-in-Council may cause, them to become operative in specified area. The powers given to local authorities to frame suitable building bylaws are retained.