Irrespective if a building is vacant, occupied or even partially demolished, the buildings Essential Safety Measures must be maintained and in working order at all times

Building owners and property managers should be aware of their responsibilities for the maintenance of essential fire safety measures in their buildings, including egress paths and exits being maintained at all times even when the building becomes vacant.

Vacant buildings should also be the subject of regular security checks and ongoing maintenance to prevent the premise falling into disrepair and possible unauthorised access by squatters and vandals.

Maintaining the fire safety measures and ongoing maintenance will promote the safety of persons who are nearby the premises or who access vacant buildings (e.g. security, MFB, Police, Building Owners, Council Staff, Real Estate Agents etc)

COUNCIL POWERS

Local councils maintain the power to address issues associated with dilapidated buildings.

“dilapidated building is defined as a building that, because of neglect, disrepair, defacement or damage, is of an appearance that is prejudicial to the visual amenity of its surroundings”

WHEN CAN DILPIDATED BUILDING POWERS BE EXCERCISED?

When abandoned or derelict buildings impact on the amenity and safety of others; Council has the authority to direct owners to repair and maintain the building(s).

Examples of specific conditions that may cause a building to impact the visual amenity of its surroundings and therefore be considered a dilapidated building include:

  • broken windows, or major damage to window screens/external window frames;
  • significant damage to roofs, roof coverings or guttering;
  • significant damage to exterior building surfaces;
  • broken exterior doors or major damage to exterior door frames;
  • partially completed or partially demolished buildings; or
  • excessive graffiti