NCC 2016 Volume Two
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List of Amendments - NCC 2016 - Housing Provisions

List of Amendments - NCC 2016 - Housing Provisions

This set of notes has been prepared by the Australian Building Codes Board to assist NCC users in identifying changes incorporated in the 2016 edition of the Housing Provisions (Volume Two of the NCC).

The notes provide a description of major changes made from the previous edition of the Housing Provisions.

While the Australian Building Codes Board has attempted to include all major changes made from the previous edition of the Housing Provisions, the Board does not give any warranty nor accept any liability in relation to the contents of this list of amendments.

Reference Changes and Commentary
General notes
The Objectives and Functional Statements have been relocated to explanatory information.
The provisions titled 'Appropriate Performance Requirements' at the start of each Part in Section 3 have been restructured and reference to 1.0.10 amended to 1.0.7.
Cross-volume consideration explanatory information has been inserted throughout Volume Two to advise of relevant NCC Volume Three provisions.
A number of provisions have been amended as a consequence of a review to assist in the usability of Volume Two, including the insertion of additional explanatory information.
Introduction
The Introduction provisions have been amended as part of the initiative to increase the use of Performance Solutions. The changes emphasise that the NCC is a performance-based code.
Part 1.0
Provisions in Part 1.0 have been amended, restructured and relocated as part of the initiative to increase the use of Performance Solutions.
1.0.1 A new provision has been inserted for 'Compliance with the NCC'. The existing provision 'Adoption' has been relocated to the 'Introduction'.
1.02 A new provision has been inserted for 'Meeting the Performance Requirements'. The existing provision 'BCA Volumes' has been relocated to the 'Introduction'. Figure 1.0.2 has been inserted to replace Figure 1.0.3.
1.0.3 A new provision has been inserted for 'Performance Solutions'. The existing provision 'BCA Structure' has been amended and relocated to A0.1.
1.0.4 A new provision has been inserted for 'Deemed-to-Satisfy Solutions'. The existing provision 'Compliance with the BCA' has been amended and relocated to 1.0.1.
1.0.5 The existing provision 'Assessment Methods' has been relocated to 1.0.5. The existing provision 'Meeting the Performance Requirements' is now covered by 1.0.2.
1.0.6 The existing provision 'Defined terms' has been relocated from the 'Introduction' to 1.0.6. The existing provision 'Objectives and Functional Statements' has been deleted as a consequence of relocating the Objectives and Functional Statements into explanatory material.
1.0.7 The existing provision 'Relevant Performance Requirements' has been relocated to 1.0.7. The existing provision 'Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions' is now covered by 1.0.4.
1.0.8 This provision has been deleted as a consequence to the inclusion of 'Performance Solutions' in 1.0.3.
1.0.9 This provision has been deleted as a consequence of the relocation of 'Assessment Methods' to 1.0.5.
1.0.10 This provision has been deleted.
Part 1.1
1.1.1.1 Definitions previously located in separate Parts have been inserted in 1.1.1.2. As a consequence 1.1.1.1 has been deleted.
1.1.1.2 Definitions previously located in separate Parts have been inserted in 1.1.1.2.
1.1.1.2 The following definitions have been inserted or amended:
Alternative Solution The defined term has been amended to include reference to a 'Performance Solution'.
Assessment Method The defined term has been amended to include the new defined terms 'Performance Solution' and 'Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution' as a consequence of amendments to Part 1.0.
Boiler A new defined term has been inserted as a consequence of including Part 3.7.3.6.
Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution A new defined term 'Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution' has been inserted.
Functional Statement The defined term has been deleted as it is no longer used in the NCC.
Objective The defined term has been deleted as it is no longer used in the NCC.
Performance Requirement The defined term has been amended to include the new defined terms 'Performance Solution' and 'Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution'.
Performance Solution A new defined term 'Performance Solution' has been inserted.
Pressure vessel A new defined term has been inserted as a consequence of including Part 3.7.3.6.
Resistance to the incipient spread of fire A new defined term has been inserted as a consequence of including requirements for separating floors between a Class 1a dwelling and a non-appurtenant private garage.
Verification Method The defined term has been amended to include the new defined term 'Performance Solution'.
1.1.8 New sub-clauses included for—
  • cross volume consideration to advise of relevant Volume Three provisions; and
  • clarification regarding the purpose of the Objectives and Functional Statements explanatory information.
Part 1.2
1.2.5 A new provision has been included concerning resistance to the incipient spread of fire. The new provision is a consequence of the new term being included for separating floors between a Class 1a dwelling and a non-appurtenant private garage.
Part 1.4
Table 1.4.1 The following references have been inserted, amended or deleted:
AS 1170.4 Amdt 1 to AS 1170 Part 4 'Structural design actions — Earthquake actions in Australia' has been referenced.
AS/NZS 1200 AS/NZS 1200 'Pressure equipment' has been deleted.
AS 1530.4 The 2014 edition of AS 1530 Part 4 'Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures — Fire-resistance tests for elements of construction' has been referenced.
AS 1657 The 2013 edition of AS 1657 'Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders — Design, construction and installation' has been deleted.
AS 1670.1 The 2015 edition of AS 1670 Part 1 'Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems — System design, installation and commissioning — Fire' has been referenced.
AS 1720.1 Amdt 3 to AS 1720 Part 1 'Timber structures — Design methods' has been referenced.
AS 1720.5 The 2015 edition of AS 1720 Part 5 'Timber structures — Nailplated timber roof trusses' has been referenced.
AS/NZS 2269.0 Amdt 1 to AS 2269 Part 0 'Plywood — Structural — Specifications' has been referenced.
AS/NZS 3500.3 Reference to the 2003 edition of AS 3500 Part 3 'Plumbing and drainage — Stormwater drainage' has been updated to the 2015 edition.
AS 3786 Amdt 1 to AS 3786 'Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization' has been referenced.
AS 4055 Amdt 1 to AS 4055 'Wind loads for housing' has been referenced.
AS 4505 Amdt 1 to AS 4505 'Garage doors and other large access doors' has been referenced.
AS 4773.1 The 2015 edition of AS 4773 Part 1 'Masonry in small buildings — Design' has been referenced.
AS 4773.2 The 2015 edition of AS 4773 Part 2' Masonry in small buildings — Construction' has been referenced.
AS 5146.1 The 2015 edition of AS 5146 Part 1 'Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete — Structures' has been referenced.
NASH Standard Amdt A to NASH Standard 'Steel Framed Construction in Bushfire Areas' has been referenced.
NASH Standard Amdt A to NASH Standard Part 2 'Residential and low-rise steel framing — Design solutions' has been referenced.
SA TS 101 The 2015 edition of Standards Australia Technical Specification 'Design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings for use in concrete' has been referenced.
Part 2.1
V2.1.2 A new Verification Method has been inserted to verify compliance with the Performance Requirement P2.1.1(a)(iii). V2.1.2 is a means for verifying the structural robustness of a building.
Part 2.4
V2.4.5 A new Verification Method has been inserted as an option to verify compliance with Performance Requirements P2.4.5(a) and P2.4.5(b)(i). V2.4.5 is a means for verifying that a building has suitable indoor air quality by providing sufficient ventilation of outdoor air.
Part 2.6
P2.6.1 Explanatory information The first paragraph of the explanatory information has been deleted to allow for revised guidance material to be developed, which is intended to clarify the intent and application of P2.6.1.
Part 3.1
Part 3.1.3 The Termite Risk Management provisions have been restructured to assist in usability of the Part. No technical change has occurred with this restructure.
Part 3.4
3.4.0.2(c) Design software for individual frame members such as electronic tables similar to that provided in NASH Standard – Residential and Low-Rise Steel Framing – Part 2, included as an exemption from the requirements of 3.4.0.2(a).
3.4.1 The provisions of the Part have been restructured and amended for improved usability and include:
  • Removal of unnecessary duplication.
  • Insertion of a new figure.
  • Additional explanatory information.
Part 3.5
3.5.2.1
  • The existing sub-clause (b) has been deleted as a consequence of quantified measures for overflow of eaves gutters being incorporated into the Part.
  • A new sub-clause (b) has been included to provide a concession to Class 10 buildings from the 100 year requirements of the Part where in the particular case there is no need for compliance. This approach is consistent with Performance Requirement P2.2.1.
3.5.2.3(a) and (b) Sub-clauses (a) and (b) have been amended to clarify that the selection of eaves gutters must be in accordance with Table 3.5.2.2 and the selection of box gutters must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.3 or AS/NZS 3500.5.
3.5.2.3(c) The sub-clause has been amended to clarify that the rainfall intensity is a '5 minute duration' rainfall intensity, and to include a 100 year average recurrence interval for eaves gutter overflow measures.
3.5.2.4(b) The sub-clause has been amended to require eaves gutters to be capable of removing overflow volume specified in Table 3.5.2.3.
3.5.2.4(c) A new sub-clause has been included to deem the overflow measures in Table 3.5.2.4 to be capable of removing the overflow volumes specified in the Table.
3.5.2.4(e)
  • As a consequence of quantified overflow of eaves gutter requirements being included in 3.5.2.4(b), the existing requirements for high fronted gutters have been deleted.
  • A new concession has been inserted at sub-clause (d) to not require the overflow measures of 3.5.2.4(b) where a verandah or eave is greater than 450 mm in width and has no lining or a lining sloping away from the building.
3.5.2.4 Explanatory information New worked examples have been included to explain the process to determine an appropriate eaves gutter overflow measure.
3.5.2.5(b) As a consequence of including quantified overflow of eaves gutter requirements, the provision requiring an overflow measure if a downpipe is installed greater than 1.2 m from a valley has been deleted.
3.5.2.5(c) Explanatory information
  • The existing explanatory information has been amended to clarify that a 'heavy rain period' is a storm having 'an average recurrence interval of 20 years'.
  • New explanatory information included to clarify that where a rainhead overflow measure is used, the overflow discharge should be directed away from the building.
Table 3.5.2.1
  • Table heading amended to include 'duration' to read 'rainfall duration intensities'.
  • 5 minute duration rainfall intensity values of the table have been amended to reflect current data and to include additional locations.
Table 3.5.2.3a A new table has been included for the required overflow volume for a continuous overflow measure.
Table 3.5.2.3b A new table has been included for the required overflow volume for a dedicated overflow measure.
Table 3.5.2.4a A new table has been included for acceptable continuous overflow measures.
Table 3.5.2.4b A new table has been included for acceptable dedicated overflow measures.
3.5.2.5 Explanatory information The explanatory information has been amended to reflect the changes to the Part.
Part 3.7
3.7.1.8(b) A new sub-clause (b) has been inserted for separating wall requirements for a Class 1a dwelling located above a non-appurtenant private garage. As a consequence the remaining sub-clauses have been renumbered.
3.7.1.8(b) State and Territory variation A New South Wales variation has been inserted to delete the requirements of 3.7.1.8(b) in New South Wales. However, provisions for Class 1a dwellings located above a non-appurtenant private garage are contained in the NSW Additions.
3.7.1.11 A new provision has been inserted for separating floors for a Class 1a dwelling located above a non-appurtenant private garage.
3.7.1.11 State and Territory variation A New South Wales variation has been inserted to delete the requirements of 3.7.1.11 in New South Wales. However, provisions for Class 1a dwellings located above a non-appurtenant private garage are contained in the NSW Additions.
3.7.2.1 The provision has been restructured and amended to clarify that a Class 10a private garage located above or below a Class 1 building is considered to be part of the Class 1 building for the purposes of Part 3.7.2.
3.7.2.2(b) The provision has been amended to enable the installation of any alarm deemed suitable in accordance with AS 1670.1 in a Class 10a private garage. Explanatory information has been inserted to clarify the application of 3.7.2.2(b).
3.7.2.2 State and Territory variation A New South Wales variation has been inserted to amend the requirements of 3.7.2.2. The New South Wales variation requires heat alarms to be installed in non-appurtenant private garages located below a Class 1a building in accordance with NSW 1.1.4 contained in the NSW Additions.
3.7.3.6 New provisions for boilers and pressure vessels have been inserted as a result of deleting reference to AS/NZS 1200.
3.7.4.0(a) State and Territory variation The Queensland variation has been amendment to include reference to the NASH Standard 'Steel Framed Construction in Bushfire Areas'.
Part 3.8
3.8.3.2(a)(iv) and (a)(v) Requirements for a washbasin have been relocated to a separate sub-clause to clarify that a washbasin does not need to be associated with a closet pan.
3.8.3.2 Explanatory information Explanatory information has been amended to clarify the provisions and provide additional guidance.
3.8.4.2
  • Figure 3.8.4.1 has been amended to clarify the method of determining areas of openings for borrowed light.
  • Explanatory information has been inserted to clarify that when a door is used to transmit natural light to an adjoining room, it must do so when in the closed position.
3.8.5.2(a)(i) Sub-clause (a)(i) has been amended and explanatory information provided to clarify that the size of the openable sash of a window is used when determining the area of ventilation provided, regardless of the window type or restrictions placed on the sash.
3.8.5.2(b) Explanatory information has been provided clarifying the use of borrowed ventilation from an adjoining room.
3.8.5.2(c) Explanatory information has been provided clarifying that sub-clause (c) applies only where mechanical exhaust is the sole means of ventilation.
Part 3.9
3.9.1 Part 3.9.1 has been restructured and amended for improved usability. The restructure includes:
  • Clarification that a stairway must be designed to take loading forces in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.1.
  • The inclusion of Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for stairways serving non-habitable rooms and the deletion of reference to AS 1657.
  • The inclusion of Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for ramps.
  • Increasing the minimum height a threshold can be above an adjoining surface before a stairway is required.
  • Providing an allowance for conditions such as movement of materials due to atmospheric moisture changes or minor deviations related to variations in materials which affect finished stair dimensions.
3.9.1 State and Territory variation The Tasmanian variation for slip-resistance has been deleted.
3.9.2 As a consequence of the deletion of reference to AS 1657 in Part 3.9.1, new provisions have been included for barriers to a stairway serving a non-habitable room such as an attic storeroom or the like that is not used on a regular or daily basis.
3.9.3 Part 3.9.3 has been amended to include the provisions of Part 3.9.4. As a consequence the Part title has been amended to 'Swimming Pools' and additional explanatory information has been inserted to clarify the requirements.
3.9.4 The Part has been deleted as a consequence of the provisions being consolidated into Part 3.9.3.
3.9.3.0 (a) State and Territory variations As a consequence of consolidating the water recirculation system requirements of Part 3.9.4 into Part 3.9.3 the State and Territory variations for New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia have been renumbered to 3.9.3.0(a).
Part 3.10
3.10.1.0(e)(ii)(I) The sub-clause, requiring timber windows in wind classification N3 or C1 to comply with AS 1288 has been deleted. This aligns with the intention for timber windows to be constructed and installed in accordance with AS 2047.
3.10.1.0(h) The provisions currently contained in 3.11.6(j) have been duplicated for garage doors and other large access doors to assist in usability.
Part 3.11
3.11.6(c)(ii) A reference to AS 1720.5 has been added for the design of nailplated timber roof trusses in residential and similar buildings.
3.11.6(f)(ii) A reference to AS 5146.1 has been added for autoclaved aerated concrete.
3.11.6(f)(iii) A reference to SA TS 101 has been added for the design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings for use in concrete.
3.11.7 The provisions currently contained in 3.4.0.2 have been duplicated for structural software to assist in usability.
3.11.7(c) Design software for individual frame members such as electronic tables similar to that provided in NASH Standard – Residential and Low-Rise Steel Framing – Part 2, included as an exemption from the requirements of 3.11.7(a).
Part 3.12
3.12.0(a)(i)(D) A exemption has been included for 3.12.1.2(e), where the house energy rating software used can automatically compensate for a loss of ceiling insulation.
Australian Capital Territory Appendix
Footnote The Footnote listing other legislation has been updated.
New South Wales Appendix
Footnote The Footnote listing other legislation has been updated.
Tasmania Appendix
Footnote The Footnote listing other legislation has been updated.
Victoria Appendix
Footnote The Footnote listing other legislation has been updated.
History of BCA Adoption
14.0 New provision added in order to set out the adoption date of the 2016 edition of the Housing Provisions in each State and Territory and to summarise the purpose of the changes from the 2015 edition.