We have the Building Code for a reason

 

And that is so people do not get hurt like those in the September deck collapse in Te Atatu.

From Auckland Council:

Landlord sentenced for deck collapse

 

A west Auckland landlord has pleaded guilty to constructing a deck that was unsafe and without a building consent. The deck collapsed leading to five people requiring hospital treatment.

Mark Tresham was fined $4,500 and ordered to pay $130 court costs.

The collapse occurred during an 80^th birthday party in Te Atatu, in September 2014.

Auckland Council’s investigation revealed the deck was not compliant with the Building Code and had no building consent

The court heard the deck was fixed to the house only by nails rather than being bolted adequately as required in the Building Code.

Judge Ongley said the main purpose of the prosecution was for people to understand there are consequences when they do not obtain the proper consents or approval of building work.

The landlord’s guilty plea, financial capacity, no previous conviction and cooperation with council officers were considered when setting the fine.

Ian McCormick, general manager of Auckland Council Building Control is satisfied with the result.

“The purpose of the regulations is to protect life and make sure buildings are safe for occupants,” he said.

“All building works need to comply with the building code.  Any kind of building work needs to have safety as the highest priority; and when the work requires building consent working with council ensures compliance, and therefore safety.”

If people were unsure what was required they should contact the council before starting a project he added.

—ends—-

 

Rebekka and I are in the planning stages of some extensive renovations on our property. Of course this means checking the Council rules (legacy, Unitary Plan, and Building Code) to make sure we comply to avoid such situations as above.

The rules can be found on the Auckland Council website.