New Earthquake-Prone Building System Welcomed By CouncilsLocal Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has welcomed the Government’s proposed revamp of the earthquake-prone building system, saying it will reduce the financial burden placed on building owners and promote vibrant CBDs. The Government has today announced a new earthquake-prone building (EPB) system that will refocus requirements to only those buildings posing a genuine risk to life in medium-to-high seismic zones. Councils like Palmerston North and Wellington — which own a lot of buildings deemed as earthquake-prone — will be significantly affected by these changes, as will low-risk regions excluded from the new EPB system entirely. On top of that, there’s the cost of renovating and change of use, which has made it unviable for many building owners to even contemplate strengthening. “These new rules will make it easier and more affordable for councils and property owners to comply with managing seismic risk in their buildings.