Rotorua District Council (RDC) is encouraging local tradesmen, homeowners and DIYers to get up to speed with amendments to the building act which come into effect next month.

Significant changes for the building industry come into force on 1 March with the introduction of 'Restricted Building Work' requirements, which will affect structural work and building activities that impact on a building's weathertightness.

RDC Building Services manager Darrell Holder says from 1 March the government's new rules mean that only a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) will be allowed to design and carry out this type of work or supervise work being undertaken.

"LBPs obtain their licences from the Department of Building and Housing not local councils however RDC has printed information on 'Restricted Building Work and Licensed Building Practitioners' available from our Customer Centre.

"Council building inspectors are also available to advise LBPs if they have any queries about 'Restricted Building Work.' These people may include designers, carpenters, roofers, external plasterers, bricklayers and blocklayers," said Mr Holder.

More information is available from the Department of Building & Housing's website www.dbh.govt.nz/lbp or by phoning 0800 242243.