About the earthquake-prone buildings system

Why we have an earthquake-prone building system

Aotearoa New Zealand has frequent earthquakes, so it’s important that buildings are unlikely to cause significant harm in a moderate earthquake.

The EPB system helps reduce risk by:

• identifying buildings that are more vulnerable in an earthquake
• making information about those buildings available
• requiring building owners to take action within set timeframes
• focusing effort where the risk is highest.

This helps ensure that:

• risks are managed over time, not just after an earthquake
• people have access to consistent information
• there is a consistent national approach to managing EPBs.

The EPB system was introduced in 2017 following recommendations from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission. A review of the system was commissioned in 2024, and changes will commence from 1 July 2027.

What earthquake-prone means

An EPB is a building designated under the Building Act 2004 based on its likelihood to cause injury in a moderate earthquake.

Who is involved in the earthquake-prone building system

Territorial authorities (councils), engineers and building owners all play a role in managing EPBs.

Territorial authorities

• identify potential EPBs
• notify building owners when a building may be earthquake-prone
• determine whether a building is earthquake-prone
• issue EPB notices
• publish information on the EPB register.

Building owners

• arrange engineering assessments when requested by their territorial authority
• display EPB signs
• strengthen or demolish EPBs within required timeframes.

Engineers

• do design and assessment work for EPB owners.

How the earthquake-prone building system works

To identify and classify a building as an EPB, the following is done:

1. A territorial authority identifies a potential EPB. The building owner is notified and must get an engineering assessment of the building from a qualified engineer.
2. An engineer assesses the building and provides an engineering assessment.
3. The territorial authority determines whether the building is earthquake-prone. If the building is earthquake-prone, the territorial authority issues an EPB notice and adds the building to the EPB register. While the building is an EPB, it must display an EPB sign on or near the entrance.
4. The building owner must display the EPB sign and complete any required building work within the specified timeframe.

For more information see:

How the earthquake-prone building system works