The National Construction Code: what builders and developers must comply with
The NCC sets minimum technical standards for the design and construction of buildings in Australia. Adopted by each state through local building Acts.
What the NCC is
The National Construction Code (NCC) provides the technical requirements for the design and construction of buildings and plumbing and drainage systems across Australia. It serves as a uniform code, meaning it aims to establish consistent standards regardless of location.
The ABCB, a body comprising representatives from the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, produces the NCC. While the ABCB creates the code, its adoption and legal authority within each state and territory depends on local building Acts and regulations.
The NCC is accessible to the public and has been freely available via the ABCB website since 1 May 2015.
Volume structure
The National Construction Code is organised into three volumes, each addressing different building types. Volume 1 covers Class 2 to 9 buildings, which include commercial, industrial, and residential apartment buildings. Volume 2 relates to Class 1 and Class 10 buildings, encompassing structures such as houses, sheds, and carports. Volume 3 contains the Plumbing and Drainage requirements, formerly known as the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Each volume of the National Construction Code provides two pathways for achieving compliance. These are performance requirements, which outline the mandatory outcomes that must be achieved, and Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions, which offer a specific method to meet those requirements.
- Performance requirements
- Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions
Update cycle and recent changes
The National Construction Code undergoes a general update cycle of approximately every three years. These updates incorporate changes to ensure building safety, health, amenity, and sustainability. The content is revised to reflect advancements in technology, industry best practice, and community expectations.
Recent revisions to the NCC have addressed several key areas. These include improvements to energy-efficiency requirements, modifications to accessibility provisions, specifically the inclusion of the Livable Housing Design Standard for Class 1a and Class 2 dwellings, and changes relating to condensation management.
It is crucial to recognise that the adoption dates for NCC versions differ across states and territories. Builders and developers must verify the specific version of the NCC that is in effect within their state or territory at the time of submitting a building permit application.
Demonstrating compliance
Builders and developers can demonstrate compliance with the National Construction Code through two distinct pathways. The first is the Deemed-to-Satisfy route, which provides a prescriptive set of requirements. The second is a Performance Solution, allowing for a tailored approach that directly addresses the underlying performance requirements of the Code.
A Performance Solution requires a documented assessment method to be presented. This method may involve expert judgement, evidence of suitability, verification methods, or a comparison with the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions. The documentation must clearly demonstrate how the proposed solution achieves the required performance outcomes.
Building surveyors play a crucial role in verifying compliance. They assess submissions and, if satisfied, issue building permits and occupation certificates, confirming that the construction work meets the applicable requirements of the National Construction Code.
Frequently asked
Is the NCC free?
Yes. The NCC has been freely available to the public since 1 May 2015 via the Australian Building Codes Board website. Earlier versions were paid; the open-access change was a significant industry shift.
Can I use a Performance Solution instead of Deemed-to-Satisfy?
Yes. The NCC's two compliance routes are Deemed-to-Satisfy (prescriptive) and Performance Solutions. A Performance Solution must be documented using one of the prescribed assessment methods and shown to meet the relevant Performance Requirement.