List of amendments—NCC 2019—Housing provisions

NCC 2019 Volume Two

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List of amendments—NCC 2019—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 2019 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.

General

Reference	Changes and Commentary
Throughout	The structure of tables has been revised to improve accessibility in accordance with obligations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Introduction to the NCC

Reference	Changes and Commentary
Introduction	The introduction to the NCC has been revised as a part of the initiative to improve the readability of the NCC.

Governing Requirements

Reference	Changes and Commentary
Section 1	1.0, 1.2 and 1.3 of Part 1 have been removed and replaced with Section 1, the Governing Requirements of the NCC, as part of the initiative to improve the readability of the NCC. 1.1.1 Definitions and 1.4.1 Schedule of Referenced Documents have been removed and replaced with Schedules 3 and 4 respectively.

Performance provisions

Reference	Changes and Commentary
V2.1.1	Verification Method V2.1.1 has been amended to reflect the outcome of technical review. V2.1.1 is a means of verifying the reliability of a structural component.
V2.3.1.1	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with P2.3.1(a)(i). V2.3.1.1 is a means to verify the protection of Class 1 buildings from fire spread from another building, other than an associated Class 10 building, when on the same allotment.
V2.3.1.2	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with P2.3.1(a)(ii). V2.3.1.2 is a means to verify the protection of Class 1 buildings from fire spread from the allotment boundary.
V2.3.1.3	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with P2.3.1(b). V2.3.1.3 is a means to verify that a Class 10a building does not significantly increase the risk of fire spread between Class 2 to 9 buildings on adjoining allotments.
V2.3.1.4	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with P2.3.1(b). V2.3.1.4 is a means to verify that a Class 10a building does not significantly increase the risk of fire spread between Class 2 to 9 buildings on the same allotment.
P2.4.4	Performance Requirement P2.4.4 has been modified to quantify that natural light must provide an average daylight factor of not less than 2% and that artificial lighting must achieve a level of illuminance not less than 20 lux.
P2.4.7	A new Performance Requirement has been added. P2.4.7 contains requirements for the management of risks associated with water vapour and condensation.
V2.4.2	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with Performance Requirement P2.4.2. V2.4.2 is a means for verifying the provision of sufficient height for a room or space.
V2.4.4	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with P2.4.4(a). V2.4.4 is a means for verifying the suitable provision of natural light.
V2.6.2.2	Verification Method V2.6.2.2 has been amended. Changes include the specification of reference building parameters.
V2.6.2.3	A new Verification Method has been added as an option for certain buildings to demonstrate compliance with P2.6.1(f) for building sealing. V2.6.2.3 is a means of verifying the sealing of buildings by air leakage testing.
Part 2.7	Performance Requirements for swimming pools, heating appliances, alpine areas and bushfire areas have been relocated to this new part, 'Ancillary provisions and additional construction requirements'.
V2.7.1	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with P2.7.3(a) and (b). V2.7.1 is a means for verifying the robustness of combustion appliances.
V2.7.2	A new Verification Method has been added as an option to verify compliance with P2.7.5. V2.7.2 is a means for verifying construction in bushfire prone areas.

How to use Section 3

Reference	Changes and Commentary
How to use Section 3	This guide has been updated to reflect amendments to the Housing Provisions.

Part 3.0 Structural provisions

Reference	Changes and Commentary
Part 3.0	A new Part has been added. Part 3.0 Structural Provisions contains content relocated from Parts 3.10 'High wind areas' and 3.11 'Structural provisions'.

Part 3.1 Site preparation

Reference

Changes and Commentary

3.1.1

Amended as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project. The changes clarify the provisions and use current terminology.

3.1.2

A new Part, 'Earth retaining structures' has been added. Part 3.1.2 references the acceptable construction manual for earth retaining structures such as retaining walls. Numbering throughout Part 3.1 'Site preparation' has been amended as a consequence of the introduction of this Part.

3.1.3.0

AS/NZS 3500.5 has been removed from the list of acceptable construction manuals.

Part 3.3 Masonry

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.3.5	A new Part, 'Masonry veneer', has been added. Part 3.3.5 contains provisions, including new acceptable construction practice, for masonry veneer construction.
3.3.6	A new Part, 'Isolated masonry piers' has been added.

Part 3.4 Framing

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.4.1.2	Durability requirements for in-ground subfloor timber framing have been added.
3.4.2	Acceptable construction practice for steel framing has been removed.
3.4.3.0	The list of acceptable construction manuals has been amended to include AS 1720.1, AS 1720.5, AS 1684.3 and AS 1860.2.

Part 3.5 Roof cladding, gutters and downpipes, and wall cladding

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.5	The Part has been re-named and content location has been changed as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.
3.5.0.1	A new Part, 'Explanation of terms', has been added.
3.5.1	Part 3.5.1 has been re-named and groups provisions relevant to sheet roofing.
3.5.2	Part 3.5.2 has been re-named and groups provisions relevant to tile and shingle roofing.
3.5.2.0	AS 2049, AS/NZS 4256 Parts 1, 2, 3 and 5, AS/NZS 1562.3, AS/NZS 1562.2, ASTM D3018-90 and AS/NZS 4200 Part 1 and AS 4200 Part 2 have been removed from the list of acceptable construction manuals.
3.5.3.0	AS/NZS 3500.5 has been removed from the list of acceptable construction manuals.
3.5.4	Part 3.5.4, 'Timber, metal and composite cladding', has been added and contains provisions relevant to these cladding types.
3.5.4.6	More detailed requirements for wall flashings have been included.
3.5.4.7	A new provision has been added requiring minimum clearances between the ground and wall cladding.
3.5.4.8	A new provision has been added outlining requirements for wall claddings used to form a parapet.
3.5.5	Part 3.5.5, 'Metal wall cladding', has been added to group requirements for metal wall cladding.

Part 3.7 Fire safety

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.7.1	The provisions of Part 3.7.1 have been relocated to other Parts of 3.7. A new Part, 'Fire properties for materials and construction', has been added and combines existing requirements for fire properties.
3.7.2	Part 3.7.2 has been re-named to 'Fire separation of external walls' and combines requirements for external walls. Amendments to existing provisions to improve clarity have been made as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.
Figure 3.7.2.4	Additional requirements have been added for where an appurtenant Class 10a building is adjacent to a Class 1 building but not located between the boundary and the Class 1 building.
Figure 3.7.2.4	Additional requirements have been added for where an appurtenant Class 10a building is adjacent to a Class 1 building but not located between the Class 1 building and another building on the same site.
3.7.3	Part 3.7.3 has been re-named to 'Fire protection of separating walls and floors' and combines requirements for separating walls and floors. Amendments to existing provisions to improve clarity have been made as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.
3.7.3.5	A new provision, 'Horizontal projections', has been added. Part 3.7.3.5 contains requirements for cantilevered floors that contain a separating wall.
3.7.4	Part 3.7.4 has been re-named to 'Fire separation of garage top dwellings' and combines requirements for garage top dwellings. The provisions have been restructured and amended to clarify separation requirements for appurtenant and non-appurtenant private garages located below a Class 1a dwelling.
3.7.5	Part 3.7.3.5 has been re-named to 'Smoke alarms and evacuation lighting' and contains requirements previously located in Part 3.7.2. Amendments to improve clarity have been made as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.

Part 3.8 Health and amenity

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.8.1	In Table 3.8.1.1 the requirement for the wall / floor junction for laundries and WCs has been changed from waterproof to water resistant.
3.8.4	New explanatory information has been added to clarify why 3.8.4.2 prescribes a smaller light transmitting area for a roof light as compared to a window.
3.8.5.2(c)	Amended on account of new provisions relating to exhaust discharge found in 3.8.7.3. The explanatory information for this clause has been deleted, also on account of 3.8.7.3.
3.8.6	Amendments to improve clarity have been made as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.
3.8.7	A new Part, 'Condensation management', has been added. This Part includes provisions for the installation of water control membranes, ventilation of roof spaces and the discharge of exhaust systems. This has occurred to minimise the impacts of risks associated with water vapour and condensation on occupants.

Part 3.9 Safe movement and access

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.9.2	Amendments to improve clarity have been made as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.

Part 3.10 Ancillary provisions and additional construction requirements

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.10.1	The provisions for swimming pools have been relocated to Part 3.10.1.
3.10.4	The provisions for alpine areas have been relocated to Part 3.10.4. Amendments to improve clarity have been made as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.
3.10.5	The provisions for construction in bushfire areas have been relocated to Part 3.10.5.
3.10.6	A new Part, 'Attachment of decks and balconies to external walls of buildings', has been added as a result of the Acceptable Construction Practice Review project.
3.10.7	The provisions for heating appliances have been relocated to 3.10.7. Clarification amendments have also been made.

Part 3.12 Energy efficiency

Reference	Changes and Commentary
3.12	Amendments, including insertion of additional explanatory information, have been made to improve readability. A transition period has been applied to this Part.
3.12.0.1(a)	Amended to clarify that star ratings must include separate heating and cooling loads.
3.12.3.2	Additional explanatory information has been added to clarify the requirements in 3.12.3.2 regarding sealing of roof lights.
3.12.3.3	Sub-clause (a) has been amended to require the sealing of a door between a Class 1 building and an unconditioned Class 10a part of a building. Additional amendments, including sub-clause (d), set out where sealing must be installed.
3.12.3.5	Amendments have been made to clarify the sealing requirements and improve the performance of building sealing.

Schedule 2—Abbreviations and symbols

Reference	Changes and Commentary
Schedule 2	Schedule 2 has been inserted as part of the initiative to improve the readability of the NCC. Schedule 2 replaces 'Abbreviations and Symbols' and includes all abbreviations and symbols used throughout the NCC.
Abbreviations	Alternating Current (AC) has been added.
Abbreviations	Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has been deleted.
Abbreviations	Available safe egress time (ASET) has been added.
Abbreviations	Building Codes Committee (BCC) has been deleted.
Abbreviations	Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) has been added.
Abbreviations	Critical Heat Flux (CHF) has been added.
Abbreviations	Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) has been added.
Abbreviations	Colour Rendition Index (CRI) has been added.
Abbreviations	Direct Current (DC) has been added.
Abbreviations	Heat Release Rate (HRR) has been added.
Abbreviations	Light-Emitting Diode (LED) has been added.
Abbreviations	Minutes (mins) has been added.
Abbreviations	National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) has been added.
Abbreviations	Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) has been added.
Abbreviations	Performance-based design brief (PBDB) has been added.
Abbreviations	Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) has been added.
Abbreviations	Required safe egress time (RSET) has been added.
Symbols	° has been added.
Symbols	km has been added.
Symbols	m².K/W has been added.
Symbols	m³/hour has been added.
Symbols	Pa/m has been added.
Symbols	V has been added.
Symbols	W_r/W_input power has been added.
Symbols	W/kW_rej has been added.

Schedule 3—Defined terms

Reference	Changes and Commentary
Schedule 3	The definitions, previously contained in Part 1.1, have been relocated to Schedule 3 as part of the initiative to improve the readability of the NCC. Schedule 3 includes all defined terms used throughout all volumes of the NCC.
Activity traits	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including a Verification Method for sufficient height.
Activity support level	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including a Verification Method for sufficient height.
Average daylight factor	A new defined term has been inserted as a consequence of including a Verification Method for sufficient natural light.
Condensation	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including new provisions for condensation management.
Interstitial condensation	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including new provisions for condensation management.
Mould	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including new provisions for condensation management.
Occupant traits	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including a Verification Method for sufficient height.
Pliable building membrane	A new defined term has been inserted as a consequence of including provisions for condensation management.
Professional engineer	The defined term has been amended to reflect current names for the Institution of Engineers Australia and the National Engineering Register.
Total R-Value	The defined term has been amended to include its unit.
Vapour pressure	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including new provisions for condensation management.
Water control layer	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including new provisions for condensation management.
Water control membrane	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including new provisions for condensation management.
Water sensitive materials	A new defined term has been added as a consequence of including new provisions for condensation management.

Schedule 4—Documents adopted by reference

Reference	Changes and Commentary
AS/NZS ISO 717.1	The 2004 edition of AS/NZS ISO 717 Part 1 'Acoustics — Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Airborne sound insulation' has been referenced. A note has been included to outline transitional arrangements.
AS/NZS 1170.2	Amdts 4 and 5 of the 2011 edition of AS/NZS 1170 Part 2 'Structural design actions — Wind actions' have been referenced.
AS/NZS 1170.3	Amdt 2 of the 2003 edition of AS/NZS 1170 Part 3 'Structural design actions — Snow and ice actions' has been referenced.
AS 1170.4	Amdt 2 of the 2007 edition of AS 1170 Part 4 'Structural design actions — Earthquake actions in Australia' has been referenced.
AS/NZS 1276.1	The 1999 edition of AS/NZS 1276 Part 1 'Acoustics — Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Airborne sound insulation' has been deleted. A note has been included to outline transitional arrangements.
AS 1288	Amdts 2 and 3 of the 2006 edition of AS 1288 'Glass in buildings — Selection and installation' have been referenced.
AS 1530	The note to AS 1530 permitting use of reports relating to tests carried out under earlier editions of AS 1530 Parts 1, 2 and 4 has been amended to include an expiry date of 1 May 2022.
AS 1562.1	The 2018 edition of AS 1562 Part 1 'Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding — Metal' has been referenced. A note provides a transition period for tests carried out based on the 1992 edition of AS 1562 Part 1 meaning that tests carried out previously under the 1992 edition remain valid, however those carried out after the NCC 2019 reference date must be carried out using the 2018 edition.
AS 1562.2	Reference to AS 1562 Part 2 'Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding — Corrugated fibre-reinforced cement' has been deleted.
AS 1668.2	The title has been amended to reflect the re-named standard and Amdt 2 of AS 1668.2 'The use of ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings — Mechanical ventilation in buildings' has been referenced.
AS 1670.1	The 2018 edition of AS 1670 Part 1 'Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems — System design, installation and commissioning — Fire' has been referenced. A note has been included to outline transitional arrangements.
AS/NZS 1859.4	The 2018 edition of AS/NZS 1859 Part 4 'Reconstituted wood-based panels — Specifications — Wet-processed fibreboard' has been referenced. A note has been included to outline transitional arrangements.
AS 1860.2	The 2006 edition of AS 1860 Part 2 'Particleboard flooring — Installation' has been referenced.
AS 2699.1	The 2000 edition of AS/NZS 2699 Part 1 'Built-in components for masonry construction — Wall ties' has been referenced.
AS 2699.3	The 2002 edition of AS/NZS 2699 Part 3 'Built-in components for masonry construction — Lintels and shelf angles (durability requirements)' has been referenced.
AS 2047	Amdts 1 and 2 of the 2014 edition of AS 2047 'Windows and external glazed doors in buildings' have been referenced. A note has been included to outline transitional arrangements.
AS 2050	The 2018 edition of AS 2050 'Installation of roof tiles' has been referenced.
AS/NZS 2918	The 2018 edition of AS/NZS 2918 'Domestic sold-fuel burning appliances — Installation' has been referenced. A note has been included to outline transitional arrangements.
AS/NZS 3500.3	The 2018 edition of AS/NZS 3500 Part 3 'Plumbing and drainage — Stormwater drainage' has been referenced.
AS/NZS 3500.5	Reference to AS/NZS 3500 Part 5 'Plumbing and drainage — Housing installations' has been deleted.
AS 3600	The 2018 edition of AS 3600 'Concrete structures' (incorporating amendment 1) has been referenced.
AS 3660.1	The 2000 edition of AS 3660 Part 1 'Termite management — New building work' has been deleted.
AS 3700	The 2018 edition of AS 3700 'Masonry structures' has been referenced subject to modification that is contained in the NCC where applicable.
AS 3786	The 1993 edition of AS 3786 'Smoke alarms' has been deleted. Amdt 2 of the 2014 edition of AS 3786 'Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization' has been referenced. A note has been added to enable reports relating to tests carried out under AS 3786 — 2014 Amdt 1 to remain valid but tests carried out after the NCC reference date must use AS 3786 — 2014 Amdt 1 and 2.
AS 3959	The 2018 edition of AS 3959 ' Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas' has been referenced.
AS 4072.1	The note to AS 4072 Part 1 permitting use of tests carried out under AS 1530.4 prior to 1 January 1995 has been amended to include an expiry date of 1 May 2022.
AS/NZS 4200.1	The 2017 edition of AS/NZS 4200 Part 1 'Pliable building membranes and underlays — Materials' has been referenced.
AS 4200.2	The 2017 edition of AS 4200 Part 2 'Pliable building membranes and underlays — Installation requirements' (incorporating amendment 1) has been referenced.
AS/NZS 4256	Reference to AS/NZS 4256 Parts 1, 2, 3 and 5 'Plastic sheet roofing' have been removed.
AS 4586	Amdt 1 of AS 4586 'Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials' has been referenced. A note has been included to outline transitional arrangements.
AS/NZS 4600	The 2018 edition of AS/NZS 4600 'Cold-formed steel structures' has been referenced.
AS 4678	The 2002 edition of AS 4678 'Earth-retaining structures' has been referenced.
AS 4773.1	Amdt 1 of AS 4773 Part 1 'Masonry for small buildings — Design' has been referenced.
AS/NZS 4859.1	The 2018 edition of AS/NZS 4859 Part 1 'Thermal insulation materials for buildings — General criteria and technical provisions' has been referenced.
AS 5146.1	Amdt 1 of AS 5146 Part 1 'Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete — Structures' has been referenced.
AS 5216	has been referenced. This replaces SA TS 101 'Design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings for use in concrete' which has been deleted.
AS/NZS ISO 9972	The 2015 edition of AS/NZS ISO 9972 'Thermal performance of buildings — Determination of air permeability of buildings — Fan pressurization method' has been referenced.
ASTM D3018-90	Reference to ASTM D3018-90 'Class A asphalt shingles surfaced with mineral granules' has been deleted.
ASTM E903-12	The 2012 edition of ASTM E903 'Standard test method for solar absorptance, reflectance and transmittance of materials using integrating spheres' has been referenced
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140	The 2007 edition of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140 'Standard method of test for the evaluation of building energy analysis computer programs' has been referenced.
ABCB	Reference to 'Protocol for Building Energy Analysis Software Version 2006.1' has been deleted.
ABCB	Version 2011.2 of the ABCB 'Protocol for Structural Software' has been referenced.
ABCB	Version 2012.3 of the ABCB 'Standard for Construction of Buildings in Flood Hazard Areas' has been referenced.
SA TS 101	Reference to AST TS 101 'Design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings for use in concrete' has been deleted. This has been replaced by a reference to AS 5216 'Design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings in concrete'.

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List of amendments—NCC 2019—Housing provisions