National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 public comment draft (stage 1)

Overview

Please note

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) wishes to advise that consultation on stage 1 of National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 public comment draft (PCD) has now been extended until 11:59 PM AEST Sunday 11 July. 

The ABCB is cognisant of the on-going impact on industry of COVID-19, and the flow on effect of the various lockdowns experienced in many jurisdictions. The decision to extend the public comment period for stage 1 has been made in light of the current situation in many states, which coincides with the original closing date of 2 July.

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The NCC is updated every 3 years, based on required regulatory practices, industry research, public feedback provided and policy directions from Governments to the ABCB between publishing cycles. Updated content is included in the PCD for consultation, seeking comment on the suggested amendments and/or inclusions to the next edition of the NCC.

Some of the more significant amendments developed for the next edition of the NCC, and covered in this first of a 2 stage release of content for public comment, include:

• Draft provisions relating to accessible housing
• Proposed amendments concerning allowable lead levels for certain plumbing products that contact drinking water
• Egress provisions for early childhood centres and primary schools
• Quantification of Performance Requirements, including Part A8
• Bushfire protection for non-residential buildings, and
• Stage 1 weatherproofing and waterproofing for commercial buildings.

Important changes for the NCC 2022 PCD process

To reduce the burden on stakeholders, comment will be sought via 2 separate consultation stages, as mentioned.

This first stage of consultation seeks comment on all proposed NCC amendments except energy efficiency and condensation proposals that arise from project work. The public comment period for this first stage opens on Monday 10 May until 11:59 PM AEST Sunday 11 July 2021.

Proposed content relating to energy efficiency and condensation project work will open for comment in August, as the second stage of NCC 2022 PCD. Please ensure you are a registered NCC Online user to receive notification and the consultation link once it has opened.

Within both stages of the PCD, you’ll notice the NCC’s new structure and format being implemented for NCC 2022. These changes form part of the ABCB’s Improved NCC useability initiative, delivering a more user-friendly and digitally contemporary code. Please note that feedback is not being sought on the new structure and format. Public comment is requested only on the proposed technical amendments as identified by track-change format.

More information and resources are available at the ABCB's dedicated useability initiative resource page.

State and Territory Appendices

The ABCB would like to address that the State and Territory Appendices in PCD appear to be missing some content, specifically the additional and replacement Parts that some jurisdictions add to the NCC.

Please be advised that this does not mean these Parts have been deleted.

Rather, as part of the Improved NCC Usability initiative, all existing State and Territory added or replaced Parts are currently being re-structured to meet the requirements of the new NCC information architecture and consistent Volume structure. Once that process is complete, each jurisdiction will be provided with a re-structured draft copy of their added or replaced Parts, and asked to verify that the content does not include any include any errors or unintended technical changes from what was published in NCC 2019 (Amdt 1).

Once verified, the re-structured content will be added back in to the NCC draft and included within the normal NCC 2022 amendment process. As part of that process, an opportunity will then be provided for jurisdictions to submit any changes or updates to their variations and additions for NCC 2022. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. 

Why your views matter

The NCC 2022 PCD has been released for consultation. Comments provided will inform the final version for regulatory consideration in September 2022.

Providing comment

Responses to this first stage of the PCD are invited until 11:59 PM AEST Sunday 11 July 2021.

In line with the ABCB's process for undertaking public consultation, comment will only be accepted through the ABCB's online Consultation Hub.

To access the first stage of PCD and provide comment:

1. From the bottom of this page, download the NCC volume(s) you wish to view and provide comment on. You can also download the Supporting information PDF for detailed information on the more significant/complex changes.
2. Enter the consultation 'survey' and agree to the privacy statement.
3. Enter your contact details.
4. Download the comment form within the consultation itself and complete, including all comments you would like to make on the proposed changes.
5. Upload your completed form in .doc format and submit.

A preview of the consultation is provided as a related document at the bottom of this page.  

If you have a question about this consultation, please contact us.

What happens next

The ABCB will consider, in detail, all responses received from stakeholders. These responses will inform the final content of NCC 2022.