Alterations to Existing Buildings

When a building is altered consideration needs to be given to how the alterations affect the existing building compliance.

Section 112 (1) of the Act requires Council, as the Building Consent Authority, to be satisfied that after the alterations the building will comply, as nearly as is reasonably practicable, with the current provisions of the Building Code.

These aspects relate to things such as:

• - means of escape from fire
• - access and facilities for persons with disabilities (if this is a requirement in terms of section 118 (external link))
• (external link)
• - continued compliance with the other provisions of the Building Code to at least the same extent as before the alteration.

To work out if an upgrade is required a gap analysis needs to be undertaken. The key purpose of the gap analysis is to compare how the existing building complies to the current Building Code requirements. This will identify if the existing building needs to be upgraded or not.

If an existing building is required to be upgraded to comply with current building code requirements and there is good reasoning for the upgrade not to be undertaken, an ANARP (As Near as Reasonably Practicable) justification is to be documented and provided with the building consent.

For help with assessing ARNARP refer to the ARNAP section on the Building Performance website.