Public Feedback wanted - review of Policy on Dangerous, Affected & Insanitary Buildings

What is proposed?

Grey District Council is reviewing its Dangerous, Affected, and Insanitary Buildings Policy, and we want to hear your views.

We're proposing to adopt an updated version of the Policy, which outlines how Council identifies, assesses, and responds to buildings that may pose a risk to public safety or health. This is part of our commitment under the Building Act 2004, which requires all councils to have a Policy of this kind and to review it every five years.

The current Policy, adopted in 2019, under Section 132(4) of the Act, has served the community well. However, we’ve identified opportunities to improve clarity and ensure it reflects current legislation and local needs.

What Is the Dangerous, Affected, and Insanitary Buildings Policy?

This Policy sets out how Grey District Council will manage buildings that are:

  • Dangerous - posing an immediate or potential risk to people's safety.
  • Affected - at risk due to a nearby dangerous building.
  • Insanitary - likely to be injurious to health due to poor condition or lack of proper facilities.

The Policy must cover

  1. How Council will identify and manage at-risk buildings.
  2. Council's priorities when responding to these buildings.
  3. How the Policy applies to heritage buildings.

Please note: This policy does not cover earthquake-prone buildings or dams, which are managed under separate legislation

Why Are We Reviewing the Policy?

This review is part of the five-yearly review cycle required under the Building Act and is now due. Before Council can adopt a revised Policy, we must consult the community and consider all feedback, in accordance with the Special Consultative Procedure under the Local Government Act 2002.

We believe the current Policy is generally effective, but some updates are proposed to improve clarity and usability

What Are the Key Proposed Changes?

  • Updated references to relevant legislation to help users understand the legal framework.
  • A new Policy Principle (Section 4.1) confirming that Council will not proactively inspect all buildings — inspections are typically triggered by reports or known risks.
  • New assessment and prioritisation criteria (Section 5.3) specifically relating to unoccupied buildings, which can often pose increased risks.
  • Amendment to clause 7 on timeframes for response regarding investigation.
  • Expand Section 8 "Economic Impact of Policy" to acknowledge that Dangerous Affected and Insanitary buildings do impact individual property owners, but that overall economic impacts are minor in Grey District in the context of the district wide economy.
  • A refreshed document structure and wording, making the Policy easier to read and understand—without changing how it’s applied in practice.

What Happens Next?

Once the consultation period ends, Council will review all submissions and adopt a final version of the Policy.

How to Have Your Say

Residents are strongly encouraged to have a say on this matter before Councils take a final decision.

All submissions must be in writing. We will accept submissions in the following formats.

  • Select submit option below to submit on line
  • Email to: Submissions@greydc.govt.nz
  • Written submissions posted to Grey District Council, PO Box 382, Greymouth or hand deliver to 105 Tainui Street, Greymouth

You are welcome to address Council in person on your submission. If you wish to do so, please clearly indicate this in your submission. Council will hear and consider submissions before the meeting on 28 October 2025.

Every submission made to the Council will be acknowledged in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002, copied and made available to the public.

Submissions close at 5pm on Monday, 29 September 2025.

Let’s work together to make sure our buildings remain safe and healthy for everyone in the Grey District.



What is proposed?

Grey District Council is reviewing its Dangerous, Affected, and Insanitary Buildings Policy, and we want to hear your views.

We're proposing to adopt an updated version of the Policy, which outlines how Council identifies, assesses, and responds to buildings that may pose a risk to public safety or health. This is part of our commitment under the Building Act 2004, which requires all councils to have a Policy of this kind and to review it every five years.

The current Policy, adopted in 2019, under Section 132(4) of the Act, has served the community well. However, we’ve identified opportunities to improve clarity and ensure it reflects current legislation and local needs.

What Is the Dangerous, Affected, and Insanitary Buildings Policy?

This Policy sets out how Grey District Council will manage buildings that are:

  • Dangerous - posing an immediate or potential risk to people's safety.
  • Affected - at risk due to a nearby dangerous building.
  • Insanitary - likely to be injurious to health due to poor condition or lack of proper facilities.

The Policy must cover

  1. How Council will identify and manage at-risk buildings.
  2. Council's priorities when responding to these buildings.
  3. How the Policy applies to heritage buildings.

Please note: This policy does not cover earthquake-prone buildings or dams, which are managed under separate legislation

Why Are We Reviewing the Policy?

This review is part of the five-yearly review cycle required under the Building Act and is now due. Before Council can adopt a revised Policy, we must consult the community and consider all feedback, in accordance with the Special Consultative Procedure under the Local Government Act 2002.

We believe the current Policy is generally effective, but some updates are proposed to improve clarity and usability

What Are the Key Proposed Changes?

  • Updated references to relevant legislation to help users understand the legal framework.
  • A new Policy Principle (Section 4.1) confirming that Council will not proactively inspect all buildings — inspections are typically triggered by reports or known risks.
  • New assessment and prioritisation criteria (Section 5.3) specifically relating to unoccupied buildings, which can often pose increased risks.
  • Amendment to clause 7 on timeframes for response regarding investigation.
  • Expand Section 8 "Economic Impact of Policy" to acknowledge that Dangerous Affected and Insanitary buildings do impact individual property owners, but that overall economic impacts are minor in Grey District in the context of the district wide economy.
  • A refreshed document structure and wording, making the Policy easier to read and understand—without changing how it’s applied in practice.

What Happens Next?

Once the consultation period ends, Council will review all submissions and adopt a final version of the Policy.

How to Have Your Say

Residents are strongly encouraged to have a say on this matter before Councils take a final decision.

All submissions must be in writing. We will accept submissions in the following formats.

  • Select submit option below to submit on line
  • Email to: Submissions@greydc.govt.nz
  • Written submissions posted to Grey District Council, PO Box 382, Greymouth or hand deliver to 105 Tainui Street, Greymouth

You are welcome to address Council in person on your submission. If you wish to do so, please clearly indicate this in your submission. Council will hear and consider submissions before the meeting on 28 October 2025.

Every submission made to the Council will be acknowledged in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002, copied and made available to the public.

Submissions close at 5pm on Monday, 29 September 2025.

Let’s work together to make sure our buildings remain safe and healthy for everyone in the Grey District.