A new system of fines of between $250 and $2000 has been introduced for "building offences" - including anything from building, altering or demolishing without consent, to permitting use of insanitary or unsafe buildings.The system was developed by the Department of Building and Housing, but the annual plan hearings committee heard from council city environment general manager Tony Avery it could choose not to use it.
But Mr Avery said the introduction of the system would encourage compliance, and would be cheaper than court prosecutions.
He said the system would not be seen as a big revenue earner, as council officers would apply the fines "sparingly".
Cr Kate Wilson asked if the local building industry had been consulted, and Mr Avery told her any consultation would have been done by the Government.
Cr Richard Walls asked if people would be fined for doing minor alterations in their kitchen, and Mr Avery told him they would not, as officers could use their discretion.
There were issues with people making warehouses into apartments without consent, and some "shoddy" building work.
"This gives us another tool. That's all it is," Mr Avery said.
The committee voted unanimously to approve the new system.
