Navigating the NCC 2022

Update to standard

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has issued a correction to the Livable Housing Design Standard (the standard).

This change clarifies that the total ramp lengths and the corresponding gradients nominated in Clause 1.1(4)(a) of the standard are the parameters applicable to the concession in NCC Volume Two H8D2(2). For example, a step-free pathway need not be provided should that pathway necessitate more than 15 m of ramps (not including landings) at 1:20 gradient (see Clause 1.1(4)(a)(ii)).

For more information on the standard, including application of the concession, refer to the ABCB Livable Housing Design Handbook.

The National Construction Code (NCC) is produced by the Australian Building Code Board (ABCB). As a performance-based code, it sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of certain buildings. 

What you need to know

NCC 2022 commenced on 1 May 2023 with additional release of the Modern Homes standards commencing in two phases:  

• Phase 1 of the Modern Homes accessibility standards commenced on 1 October 2023.  
• Phase 2 Modern Homes energy efficiency standards commenced on 1 May 2024.

QBCC contractor licensees, building certifiers, designers and homeowners should make themselves aware of the new provisions and what is required for new or renovated homes from 1 October 2023.

For Queenslanders, the Queensland Development Code (QDC) also provides guidance on matters outside the scope of the NCC, or in addition to it. Note that the QDC’s state-based variations prevail over the NCC in Queensland.

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