1% - Waikato District Council

75What We DoSustainable EnvironmentBuilding qualityStrategic Direction ContributionsPrimarySecondaryWe have a responsibility for people’s safety and wellbeing in thebuildings they live and work in. We have the sole responsibilityin our district for ensuring buildings in our district comply withlegislation, including fencing of swimming pools. We processbuilding consent applications and carry out constructioninspections. The Waikato Building Consent Group has beenformed with representatives from all Waikato territorialcouncils, so that we can have consistency across the region inmanaging what we do.ObjectiveSafe Waikato: All building activities are carried out in accordancewith legislative standards so that people feel safe.Proposed level of serviceThe council protects the community by enforcingbuilding regulations.Thriving Waikato: The council’s processes recognise the need for The council provides a timely consenting processprompt delivery of services.to support building activities within our district.How we’ll know we are on trackTargets10/11 Actual Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Years 4-10The number of existing buildings which are monitoredand audited for compliance each year.234 at least 250 per annum (60%)The percentage of those buildings that provide sleepingcare or paid accommodation which are audited for87.8% 100%compliance annually.The number of existing pools which are inspected for fencingcompliance within each year.368 at least 350 per annumThe percentage of building consent applications whichare processed within 20 working days.99.8% 100%Significant Negative Effect Cultural Social Economic Environmental Our ResponseLegislation is requiring morecouncil input into plan reviewand building inspection, whichincreases costs.Non-compliance requires thecouncil to take offenders beforethe Courts.The time to processapplications might be regardedas a delay to construction• •• ••Leaky homes are identified. • • •The council has to react to new legislation,but tries to limit the cost increase as muchas possible.Prosecution of blatant offences againstthe Building Act is necessary to reinforcecompliance, maintain equity for those whoobtain consents and fulfil statutory duty.This is mitigated through the simplificationof the consent processMore thorough vetting of the drawings,inspections by better trained highly skilledinspectors, will assist in reducing theincidence of leaky homes.