NCC 2022 open for public comment

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is inviting comments on stage 1 of the NCC 2022 public comment draft (PCD).

The National Construction Code (NCC) is updated every three years, based on required regulatory practices, industry research, public feedback provided, and policy directions from governments. 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.

To reduce the burden on stakeholders, the public comment process has been broken into two separate consultation stages.

The first stage seeks comment on all proposed NCC amendments except energy efficiency and condensation proposals that arise from project work.

Public comment on this first stage is open until 11.59pm (AEST) on July 2, 2021.

Proposed content relating to energy efficiency and condensation project work will open for comment on July 19, as the second stage of NCC 2022 PCD.

Some of the more significant amendments developed for the next edition of the NCC 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
• Stage 1 weatherproofing and waterproofing for commercial buildings.

Both stages of the PCD reflect the NCC’s new structure and format for NCC 2022. These changes form part of the ABCB’s Improved NCC usability initiative, with the aim of delivering a more user-friendly and digitally contemporary code. The ABCB has noted 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 on the ABCB’s usability initiative dedicated resource page.

For more information and to submit comments, click here.