BC Update 227: Amendments to Unreinforced Masonry Building Securing Fund
The changes will allow the URM Fund to be used in a more flexible way and increase the amount available for large and complex buildings.
The Minister is also seeking to extend the amount of time before penalties are applied. The Minister will make further announcements about this, and seek feedback on potential changes, in early 2018.
The changes are in response to feedback MBIE has received from the sector regarding the affordability of the work, and the capacity of the sector to complete the work within the time frame. The changes aim to respond to these constraints while continuing to encourage building owners to quickly complete this safety-focused work.
The requirement to secure unreinforced masonry parapets and facades on buildings in certain areas of Wellington, Lower Hutt, Marlborough and Hurunui was introduced on 28 February 2017. Owners of URM buildings in those areas have been notified by their council and are required to secure the street-facing parapets and facades on their buildings within 12 months of the date of the notice.
Securing unreinforced masonry building parapets and facades has more information.
