NCC (National Construction Code) 2019 Is Now In Effect
On 1 May 2019, the 2019 edition of the NCC was adopted by all States and the Northern Territory.
This signifies that NCC 2019 is now given legal effect by relevant legislation in each State and the Northern Territory.
For those practitioners working in the Australian Capital Territory, on 1 June 2019, NCC 2019 will be adopted in your jurisdiction, however with some exclusions. The Condensation Management requirements in Volumes One and Two, and the changes to Table E1.5 in Volume One, which require sprinkler protection for buildings with a rise in storeys of 4 or more and an effective height of not more than 25 metres have a delayed adoption until 1 September 2019 in the Australian Capital Territory. You can read more about this in our latest update.
The adoption of NCC 2019 represents a major milestone as the first of the three year editions of the NCC and therefore containing a significant number of changes. These changes include:
- sprinkler protection for buildings with a rise in storeys of 4 or more and an effective height of not more than 25 metres;
- energy efficiency for commercial buildings;
- accessible adult change facilities;
- condensation management;
- heated water temperature control;
- cross-connection control;
- rainwater harvesting and use; and
- Acceptable Construction Practices for domestic residential construction.
To find out more about these changes, or if you missed the ABCB’s NCC seminar series for 2019, you can now view webcasts of the building and plumbing sessions. These webcasts provide a valuable overview of the changes and are intended to prepare practitioners for the use of NCC 2019. Read our latest update to find out more.
Accompanying content changes to the NCC are a number of improvements in its presentation, particularly for online users, designed to enhance readability and navigation. A significant number of resources have also been developed to assist users of the NCC in various aspects of its application.
The NCC and supporting materials can be accessed free online by logging in, or registering if it’s your first time.
Essential information
It is important to note that a 12 month transition period ending 30 April 2020 applies to the energy efficiency provisions in Section J of Volume One and Parts 2.6 and 3.12 of Volume Two. During this time, either the new NCC 2019 provisions or those from NCC 2016 may be used.
In addition, the new Fire Safety Verification Method (FSVM) will have a delayed enactment date of 1 May 2020. Keep an eye on our latest updates as we release more information about how we are helping practitioners prepare for using the new FSVM.
Key dates for NCC 2022
The next edition of the NCC is scheduled to be released in 2022.
The ABCB is currently accepting proposals for change. Submissions are to be made by August 2020 to allow for sufficient time for consideration. The public comment draft of NCC 2022 will be available for public review in the first half of 2021 and a preview of the NCC available in early 2022. Adoption of the 2022 edition of the NCC is anticipated for 1 May 2022.
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