Promoting Performance-Based Building Code Compliance in New Zealand

Abstract

Building codes are mandatory documents that should be followed in all building constructions and related works. However, building code compliance requires encouraging building code users and easing the compliance process, as the building code provisions, standards, and compliance documents change over time and could presents challenges in applying the building code requirements, even though building code amendments help to improve the built environment resilience and enhance innovative techniques. This study aims to identify and explore factors that could promote and encourage building code compliance, considering regular changes in the building code, standards and compliance documents. A close-ended questionnaire survey was used for data collection for this study to measure participants’ opinions about improving and encouraging building code compliance in New Zealand. The questionnaire participants included structural engineers, project managers, geotechnical engineers, local authorities, academic/researchers, licensed building officials, building contractors, architects, and building and consulting engineers. A five-point scale was used in the questionnaire, and the obtained data were analyzed. The findings reveal that reduced bureaucracy, incentives, technical assistance, and regular monitoring and inspection without notice encourages compliance in New Zealand. Also, the study identified transparency as a primary driver of building code compliance in New Zealand. Analysis implies that there is no significant difference among the criteria used in assessing the factors that encourage and drive building code compliance. Findings in this study suggest that proactive collaboration among the relevant stakeholders could be essential to encourage a building code compliance culture and, for policymakers, to improve on inclusiveness during the building code amendment process.