The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) produces and maintains the NCC on behalf of the Australian Government and each state and territory government.
The National Construction Code (NCC) sets out the requirements for the design and construction of a building in Australia, including plumbing and drainage. It sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of certain buildings.
The NCC applies to new building work and new plumbing and drainage work on new or existing services. In some cases, it may also apply to structures associated with buildings. Other aspects of construction such as gas fitting and electrical are not covered by the NCC.
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) produces and maintains the NCC on behalf of the Australian Government and each state and territory government.
NCC volumes
The NCC is divided into 3 volumes based on the type of work or building:
NCC Volume One contains the technical requirements for the design and construction of multi-residential, commercial, industrial and public assembly buildings and some associated structures.
The Guide to Volume One provides clarification, illustration and examples for complex NCC provisions.
NCC Volume Two contains the technical requirements for the design and construction of smaller scale buildings including houses, small sheds, carports and some associated structures. For a residential project, this is the volume you will most likely need.
NCC Volume Three contains the technical requirements for the design, construction and installation of plumbing and drainage systems. It also applies where to sites where services are installed independent of buildings.
Each volume contains:
- Governing Requirements
- Performance Requirements
- Technical compliance options to meet the Performance Requirements
- State and territory variations and additions.
Project planning
The Deemed-to-Satisfy Solutions within the NCC are the parts of the code you will likely need for your project.
It’s important to remember, that while the NCC sets out the legal requirements for construction of a house, building or plumbing and drainage installation, it’s the state or territory legislation that give it legal effect.
Learn more about project planning.
State and territory regulation
The NCC is given legal effect through building or plumbing legislation set out by your state or territory government, or other statutory authority. These Acts and Regulations set out the legal framework and administration mechanisms for the NCC, to support the design and construction of buildings and plumbing and drainage systems.
The dates of adoption of the NCC are determined by State and Territory building or plumbing administrations.
Administrative requirements
Administration requirements typically covered in your state or territory legislation include:
- Plan submission and approval procedures
- Issue of permits
- Inspections and audits
- Provision of evidentiary certificates
- Issue of certificates
- Review and enforcement of standards
- Fees and charges
In some jurisdictions, some of these administrative requirements may be undertaken by your local government.
