Rising seas prompt new Dunedin building rules

New homes in some Dunedin coastal areas will have to be built higher off the ground under new rules to protect against an increased risk of flooding from rising sea levels.

The change, announced by the Dunedin City Council today, will apply to the floor levels of residential or communal buildings and extensions but not to industrial or commercial buildings.

The council has signalled the change in a reference which would be added to the Land Information Memorandums (LIMs) of the properties likely to be affected today.

The change would not apply to South Dunedin, because of the protection provided by sand dunes and the way the area has been developed.