PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 184, 5 August 1931, Page 3

PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY.

BUILDING REGULATIONS INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Special to the "Star.”) WELLINGTON. August 4 Legislation giving effect to the findings of the Building Regulations Committee in regard to the construction of buildings to provide better protection against earthquake or other national disaster was introduced in the House to-day and read a first time. The Bill provides that it shall not be lawful for any person to erect, commence or to continue to erect or to reconstruct or substantially alter any building without a permit from the local authority in the particular district affected. Permits must not be issued unless they are in conformity with the provisions of regulations and by-laws made under the Act, but the powers of local bodies conferred independently of the Act are not to be limited. Scope of By-laws. Local authorities are empowered to make by-laws affecting (1) Design and construction of building and methods of building construction. (2) Heights. [(3) Forces to be allowed for in design. (4) Working stresses or loads allowable in construction. (5) Materials to be used on construction and the qualities and proportions of such materials. (6) Fire prevention and control. (7) Means of ingress and egress. (S) Plans, sketches, calculations, specifications and other particulars to be submitted for approval of the local authority. (9) Procedure in relation to application for and issue of permits. (10) Requiring in respect of erection, reconstruction or alteration the appointment of the clerk of works or other qualified person whose duties shall include the obligation forthwith to report to the local authority concerned whenever he becomes aware that the requirements of by-laws in relation to the erection of such buildings are not being complied with. .(11) Conditions subject to which buildings erected for any purpose may be used for any other purposes. (12) Fees payable to local authorities for permits, in addition to special fees charged under the Act.