Tidal flooding risks
Extensive investigations and scientific modelling have been
undertaken to identify properties in the east coast and lower Kaipara Harbour
areas that may be at risk of flooding from rising sea levels caused by either
severe weather conditions and/or climate change.
The Council is required by law to consider flood hazards and to put information
about potential flooding risks on Land Information Memoranda (LIMs) and Project
Information Memoranda (PIMs).
Generally, properties in low-lying areas, near major waterways or the harbour
are affected.
In 2006, flooding risk classifications were included on LIMs and PIMs of
affected East Coast properties. At the 3 July, 2008 Strategy and Community
Committee meeting, recommendations to classify the flood risk of properties in
the lower Kaipara Harbour area will be made to Councillors for adoption.
View the maps below to see the affected areas.
View East Coast Maps (adopted)
View West Coast Maps (for
adoption)
If your property
is at risk of flooding from rising sea levels, the rules about building on and
developing it may change. For example, minimum floor levels for any new
buildings will have to be higher to provide adequate protection.
Recommended residential floor levels
The recommended minimum residential floor levels for properties more than 50 metres from
the mean high tide mark are:
The recommendation for properties less than 50 metres from the mean high tide mark along the open
coast should have a risk assessment carried out by a qualified engineer.
Reports
To view the reports by Council’s environmental consultants Tonkin & Taylor
and DHI Environmental see the link below or view them at any of our service
centres.
View available reports
Frequently asked questions
Am I in danger?
Identifying flooding risk is a precautionary measure that is required by
law. In most areas, the actual risk is relatively small.
In severe weather conditions, the weather service and civil defence provide
advanced warnings to ensure personal safety.
Will this affect my property value?
Councils are required by law (Local Government Official Information and
Meetings Act 1987, Building Act 2004) to provide any known information about
potential flooding risks on both LIMs and PIMs. Providing this information gives
owners and potential owners the opportunity to make good decisions about
building on, developing or purchasing a property. However, it is market forces
and the desirability of a property that will ultimately determine its value.
Will this increase the cost of developing my property?
To protect valuable property and possessions from potential flooding, it is
likely there will be additional construction costs to raise the floor levels of
new buildings. In the event of a flood, this will reduce the need for expensive
repairs and replacement.
Generally, subdivision of properties is not encouraged in an inundation zone so
there will be costs associated with obtaining consent to subdivide.
Will this affect my insurance?
Insurance companies take many factors into consideration and requirements
will vary from property to property. We strongly recommend you discuss your
insurance requirements with a broker or your provider.
When will the rules about building on and developing these properties change?
This is yet to be determined. Identifying affected properties is the first stage
in the process, which could take some time. When this has been completed, the
council will notify affected parties about the changes.
Further information
To find out more, please contact our Call Centre 0800 426 5169 or email
info@rodney.govt.nz with “Sea level
assessments” in the subject line.
>> Top
|
