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Extensions of time to complete seismic work

Buildings which had old ‘yellow notices’ or that are category 1 heritage buildings may be able to apply for an extension of time.

How it works

There are two situations in which you can apply for an extension of time to complete seismic work:

  • If your building is a Category 1 building listed on the New Zealand Heritage List or is a National Historic Landmark you can apply for an extension of up to 10 years. If you are successful in your application, the length of your extension will depend on a range of factors, which are outlined on the application form.
  • If your building was issued an earthquake-prone building notice prior to 1 July 2017 and the timeframe you were given was shorter than what you would be given under the current earthquake-prone building process then you can apply to have your time frame changed to the current time frame.

Example: The building at 1 Example Street was identified as an earthquake-prone building on 1 January 2010. The owner was given 10 years to complete seismic work, with a deadline of 1 January 2020, however they would have been given 15 years under the current earthquake-prone building process . The owner successfully applies to the Council for an extension or time to complete seismic work (previous notice) and the time frame is changed from 10 years to 15 years. This time frame applies from the date they were issued their previous notice, so the deadline is now 1 January 2025.

If you are eligible for one or both of these extensions we will include the application form(s) when we notify you that your building is earthquake-prone.

How to apply

Once you’ve submitted your application the process takes up to 20 working days. It may take longer if your application is incomplete and we need to ask for more information.

Submitting your application

Apply by downloading and filling in the relevant application form

Extension of time to complete seismic work (heritage) application form (201KB PDF)
Extension of time to complete seismic work (previous notice) application form (167KB PDF)

You can submit your application alongside any supporting documentation in person, by email, or by post.

In person

You can submit your application at one of our Council service desks. You don't need an appointment.

Council service desks

By email

You can submit your application by emailing it to buildingresilience@wcc.govt.nz.

By post

Mail your application to:

Building Resilience
Wellington City Council
PO Box 2199
Wellington 6140

Need help?

Email: buildingresilience@wcc.govt.nz 
Phone: 04 499 4444