New flood level building guidelines
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
The risk of flooding in the Waimakariri district has caused a rethink of building guidelines.
The Waimakariri District Council has endorsed new flood mapping freeboard and floor level guidelines for very low, low and medium risk areas as it plans ahead for future flood events.
The new guidelines recommended floor levels of 300mm to 500mm above the flood level.
But staff were recommending no building in areas considered to be high risk flood hazard areas.
‘‘It is really important that our district continues to be built in a way that provides minimal risk to people and property,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said.
‘‘There has been a significant amount of work undertaken to ensure any risk of flooding has been mitigated the best it can be and that the process is as streamlined and cost effective as possible to developers.’’
In a report to April’s council meeting, utilities and roading general manager Gerard Cleary said the freeboard level was the height above the designated flood level.
In the Waimakariri district, the previous standard was a freeboard level of 300mm.
‘‘If the flood level is one metre above the ground at a house site and a 300mm freeboard level is applied, then the building’s floor level would need to be 1.3 metres above the ground,’’ he said.
Guidelines varied throughout New Zealand, but the freeboard allowance was generally between 300mm and 500mm.
In Christchurch the freeboard allowance was 400mm.
Cleary said the Waimakariri district was located in a large and predominantly flat floodplain, which meant a 300mm freeboard allowance was sufficient in a number of areas.
But there were several factors supporting the raising of the freeboard allowance to 500mm.
These included vehicle wash, survey error and inaccuracy, fences impeding flow, less public and insurance industry acceptance of flooding, modelling error and uncertainty, minor earthworks, ongoing movement due to seismic activity, climate change and catchment
changes.
National guidelines for new greenfield developments recommended a 500mm freeboard allowance above the flood level, Cleary said.
‘‘Where the land has a low risk of flooding, there is little or nothing that needs to be done by the developer to achieve the freeboard requirement.
‘‘In areas of medium or higher risk there may need to be additional filling or careful design considerations given to achieve the desired level protection.’’
Cleary said the guidelines took into account variation 1 to the Waimakariri District Plan, required by the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021.
Variation 1 identified areas of Kaiapoi as unsuitable for further housing intensification due to flooding risk.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
-
64.2% Yes
-
33.4% No
-
2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Cottage, small house wantd to rent
Wanted cottage, small house to rent for step dad, with garage or shed for doing up old car. Quiet and reliable teanant. Fit, no smoking or pets
Loading…
