BC Update: No.4 - Proposed changes to the B1 Structure Approved Document

24 Dec 2004: The Department of Building and Housing is seeking feedback on proposed changes to its Approved Document for Clause B1 Structure. The change relates to Standard NZS 3109: 1997 Concrete Construction.

This Standard is directly cited in B1/AS3 Small Chimneys. It is also referenced from NZS 3101: 1995 Concrete Structures which is cited in Verification Method B1/VM1 General. B1/VM1 provides approved means of checking that structures comply with the Building Code, largely by citing New Zealand Standards. B1/AS3 describes how to build Code-compliant small chimneys and concrete hearths for solid fuel burning domestic appliances.

The proposal is to amend the references page of the B1 Approved Document to include Amendment 1 to NZS 3109. Amendment 1 to the Standard was subject to the normal Standards New Zealand public comment process before being published in August 2003. A copy of Amendment 1 is included in the consultation document.

Under section 29(4)(e) of the Building Act 2004 it is proposed that the amendment to the B1 Approved Document comes into force on 31 March 2005. Under section 29(4)(f) of the Act the amendment will not apply to building work for which a building consent has been issued before 31 March 2005. The closing date for public comment on the proposed changes is 11 February 2005.

The consultation document has already been sent to interested stakeholders. If you have not received the document and want to make a submission, you can download a PDF from the Building Controls website at Consulting on. If you would like a hard copy, please call 0800 242 243.