Source: Stuff news
Owners could be left with less time and tighter rules in bringing quake-prone buildings up to code as national regulations are overhauled.
The changes, which begin on Saturday, will take decision-making away from territorial authorities with their own guidelines and create a single, national policy.
The Building Amendment Act 2016 sets a standardised time limit for the strengthening or demolition of quake-prone buildings to take place.
Regions will be divided into areas of low, medium and high seismic risk and deadlines will differ accordingly.
In Marlborough, a region deemed high risk, some building owners could be given two-and-a-half years less than under council rules to complete obligatory upgrades. Read more here.