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© Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories of Australia 2020, published by the Australian Building Codes Board .
 Table of contents
Introduction
• How it works.
• What you’ll learn.

Contents
• An overview of NCC Volume Two.
• NCC Volume Two: Sections and Parts.
• Summary.
 How to access the NCC
To access the
NCC, visit:
ncc.abcb.gov.au.

To access the NCC, register your details here, submit

and receive your confirmation email and password
 What you will learn
Aims and objectives

• To provide you with a basic understanding

of NCC Volume Two, with emphasis on:

• the three Sections of Volume Two; and

• the application of Section 3 - the
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Who this material is for

• All building professionals.

 Overview of the NCC
The role of the NCC is to provide:

• nationally consistent minimum

necessary regulations; and
• a technical basis for the design
and construction of buildings
and certain structures.

The goal of the NCC is to achieve minimum necessary standards relevant to:

• safety (including structural safety and safety from fire); and

• health, accessibility, amenity and sustainability.
 The structure of the NCC
There are three Volumes in the NCC.

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is Volume One and

Volume Two of the NCC.
• Volume One pertains primarily to Class 2 to 9 buildings.
• Volume Two pertains primarily to Class 1 and 10 buildings.

The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is Volume Three of

the NCC (implemented in 2011).
• PCA Volume Three pertains primarily to plumbing and
drainage associated with all building classifications.
 What does the NCC apply to?
The BCA applies to:

• new construction;
• additions and alterations; and
• change of use of a building.

The PCA applies to:

• new installations;
• alterations, additions, replacements; and
• repairs to existing installations.
Australian Regulatory Structure
 Overview of NCC Volume Two
• Volume Two of the NCC contains the design
and construction requirements for Class 1
and Class 10 buildings.

• These classes include domestic buildings

such as houses, sheds, carports, etc.

• Volume Two is also referred to as:

• “BCA Volume Two”; or

• “the Housing Provisions”.
 Alt textOverview of NCC Volume Two

• NCC Volume Two is Compliance level

a performance-based code.
• Compliance with the NCC is
achieved by satisfying the
Governing Requirements and
the Performance
Requirements.
Compliance solution
 NCC Volume Two: Sections

• NCC Volume Two is divided into three Sections.

Section 1 Contains information on the operation

Governing Requirements and application of the NCC

Section 2 Contains all Performance

Performance Provisions Requirements for Volume Two

Section 3 Contains the Acceptable Construction

Acceptable Construction Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions
 NCC Volume Two: Schedules

• Schedule 1: State and Territory Appendices

• Schedule 2: Abbreviations and symbols
• Schedule 3: Definitions
• Schedule 4: Referenced documents
• Schedule 5: Fire-resistance of building
elements
• Schedule 6: Fire hazard properties
• Schedule 7: Fire Safety Verification Method
 Section 1: Governing Requirements
The Governing Requirements provide the rules and instructions for using and
complying with the NCC. They include provisions for:

• interpreting and applying the NCC;

• complying with the NCC;
• how the NCC is applied in States and Territories;
• applying referenced documents;
• documenting the suitability of the design, construction and or use of materials
to comply with the NCC; and
• classifying buildings by characteristics and intended use.
 Definitions
• Definitions are specific to the NCC - it is important not to assume
the meaning of a definition. These definitions aid in the
interpretation of the NCC.

• Definitions are located in Schedule 3 of each Volume of the NCC.

• The intent of Schedule 3 is to define the precise meaning of key

words and expressions for the purposes of the NCC.

• A defined term is italicised in the NCC.

 Example: Definitions
Extract from Volume Two, Part 2.4.4 Lighting

Extract from Volume Two, Schedule 3: Definitions

 Alt text Referenced documents
• Generally, the NCC references 3 specific types
of standards:
• Testing Standards
• e.g. AS 1530 suite relates to the fire tests methods on
building materials.
• Design Standards
• e.g. AS 1720 relates to the design methods for timber
structures.
• Installation Standards
• e.g. AS 2050 relates to the installation of roof tiles.
 Example: DTS referenced document
“Building elements in wet areas within a building must —
(a) be waterproof or water resistant in accordance
with Table 3.8.1.1; and
(b) comply with AS 3740.”

Reference: NCC Volume Two 3.8.1.2

0
 Referenced documents
Referenced Document Title

AS/NZS 1170 series Structural design actions

AS 1288 Glass in buildings – Selection and installation
AS 1684 series Residential timber-framed construction
AS 1926 series Swimming pool safety
AS 2047 Windows and external glazed doors in buildings
AS 2050 Installation of roof tiles
AS 2870 Residential slabs and footings
AS 3660 series Termite management
AS/NZS 3500 series Plumbing and drainage
AS 3740 Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
AS 4773 series Masonry in small buildings
AS 4055 Wind loads for housing
AS/NZS 4600 Cold-formed steel structures
NASH Standard series Residential and low-rise steel framing
 Explanatory information
Explanatory information – these are non-mandatory and informative only. They are used to
provide additional guidance on the application of the particular Parts and clauses.

For example, Part 3.2.0 for Volume Two shows an explanatory information box.
Alt text Limitations
• Note that some of the Performance Requirements and DTS Provisions may
• Alt
onlytext
apply to Class 1 buildings or in some cases to Class 10 buildings.

• The Performance Requirement P2.2.3 relating to rising damp contains a

limitation box which details that P2.2.3 is not applicable to Class 10
buildings, where in the particular case there is no necessity for compliance.
 Variations and additions to the NCC
Each State’s and Territory’s legislation adopts the NCC
subject to the variation or deletion of some of its provisions,
or the addition of extra provisions.

The three Volumes differ slightly in how they identify and

represent variations and additions but generally they have
some sort of ‘flag’ to highlight them.

State and Territory variations and additions for Volume Two

are located in Schedule 1 of Volume Two.
 Section
Alt text 1: Governing Requirements
Building classifications
• NCC Volume Two pertains primarily to Class 1 and 10 buildings.
• Part A6 of Volume Two contains the building classifications and
descriptions.
• The class – or classification – of a building/structure is determined by the
purpose for which it is:
• designed;
• constructed; and
• adapted to be used.
• As the purpose of buildings vary there are different requirements
for different classes.
 Section 1: Governing Requirements
Alt text Building classifications
Class 1a - Single dwelling/house

Class 1b - Small guest/boarding house

Class 10a - Non-habitable building (carport, garage)

Class 10b - Structure, swimming pool, fence

Class 10c - Private bushfire shelter

 Section 2: Performance Provisions
• Section 2: Performance Provisions contain the mandatory Performance
Requirements that you are required to achieve compliance with.
• The Section is broken down into eight Parts. These are:
• Part 2.0: Application;
• Part 2.1: Structure;
• Part 2.2: Damp and weatherproofing;
• Part 2.3: Fire safety;
• Part 2.4: Health and amenity;
• Part 2.5: Safe movement and access;
• Part 2.6: Energy efficiency; and
• Part 2.7 Ancillary provisions and additional construction requirements.
 Section 2: Performance Provisions
Performance Requirement: Example

• As an example, the Performance Requirement P2.4.6 from

Volume Two for sound insulation is shown below.
 Section 2: Performance Provisions
Verification Methods

• Section 2 also contains the Verification Methods.

• A Verification Method (VM) is one type of Assessment Method that a
building proponent can use to prove that a particular Performance
Solution meets the relevant Performance Requirement.
• An extract of the Verification Method V2.4.6 for sound insulation is
provided below.
 Section 3: Acceptable Construction
• The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for
Class 1 and 10 buildings and structures.
• It has 12 Parts, organised in a manner
that follows the logical sequence of
design and construction.
How to use Section 3
 Section 3: Acceptable Construction
Alt text Parts

• Section Three is comprised of 12 Parts, as follows:

• Part 3.0 Structural provisions
• Part 3.1 Site preparation
• Part 3.2 Footings and slabs
• Part 3.3 Masonry
• Part 3.4 Framing
• Part 3.5 Roof and wall cladding
• Part 3.6 Glazing
• Part 3.7 Fire safety
• Part 3.8 Health and amenity
• Part 3.9 Safe movement and access
• Part 3.10 Ancillary provisions and additional construction requirements
• Part 3.12 Energy efficiency
 Section 3:
Acceptable
Construction

The table on the right lists

typical elements of the concept
and construction process and
where they are located in
Section 3.
 Section 3: Acceptable Construction
Acceptable Construction Practice and Manuals

The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions in Section Three are

described as “Acceptable Construction Practice” and
“Acceptable Construction Manuals”.

• Acceptable Construction Practice reflects traditional

construction techniques.
• Acceptable Construction Manuals are the
Deemed-to-Satisfy referenced documents.

In general, either the “Acceptable Construction Practice”

or “Acceptable Construction Manual” may be used as
options when proposing a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution.
 Example:
Acceptable Construction
Manuals

• Extract from Part 3.5.2.

• The Acceptable Construction

Manuals for roof tiling and
shingles is in 3.5.2.0.

• They are:
• AS 2050; and
• AS 4597.
 Example:
Acceptable Construction
Practice

• Extract from Part 3.5.2.

• The Acceptable Construction

Practice for roof tiles and
shingles starts at 3.5.2.1.

• It covers the Deemed-to-

Satisfy Provisions in 3.5.2.1 to
3.5.2.6.

• Acceptable Construction
Practices may have
limitations.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.0 – Structural provisions
• This Section contains a number of structural design
manuals, which can be used to design building
elements using engineering principles.
• There is no obligation for the provisions of Part 3.0
to be used.
• However: the exception applies for situations
where a particular building, building element or
component is required to comply with the Housing
Provisions and is not contained in the scope of the
“Acceptable Construction Practice” or the
“Acceptable Construction Manual”.
 Section 3: Parts

Part 3.1 - Site preparation

• Contains the general site preparation
requirements for earthworks,
drainage and installation of termite
management systems.

Part 3.2 - Footings and slabs

• Contains the requirements for
footings and slabs.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.3 - Masonry
• Contains the requirements for masonry
construction. This includes un-reinforced and
reinforced masonry, masonry accessories
and weather-proofing of masonry.

Part 3.4 - Framing

• Contains the sub-floor, wall and roof framing
requirements. This includes sub-floor
ventilation, low-rise steel and timber framing,
as well as structural steel members.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.5 - Roof and wall cladding
• Contains the requirements for wall and roof
cladding and gutters and downpipes.

Part 3.6 - Glazing

• Contains the requirements for glazing
including installation of windows and doors,
glass sizing, selection and human impact
safety requirements.
• The provisions also cover glass used in
bathrooms for shower screens.
Note: energy efficiency requirements for glazing
are contained in Part 3.12.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.7 - Fire safety
• Contains the fire safety requirements
for Class 1 and 10 buildings.
• Included within this Part are
requirements for fire separation,
installation of smoke alarms, installation
of certain heating appliances and
requirements for buildings and
structures which are constructed in
bushfire prone or alpine areas.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.8 - Health and amenity

• The health and amenity requirements are

divided into six Parts, which are:

• Part 3.8.1: Wet areas and external

waterproofing;
• Part 3.8.2: Room heights;
• Part 3.8.3: Facilities;
• Part 3.8.4: Light;
• Part 3.8.5: Ventilation; and
• Part 3.8.6: Sound insulation.
 Example:
Part 3.8.3: Facilities
Extract from Part 3.8.3.2 on the right.
A Class 1 building is required to be
provided with:
• a kitchen sink and facilities for the
preparation and cooking of food;
• a bath or shower;
• clothes washing facilities, comprising at
least one washtub and space in the
same room for a washing machine; and
• a closet pan and washbasin.

While prescribes what facilities are

required to be provided, it does not
prescribe their location – giving design
flexibility.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.9: Safe movement and access

The safe movement and access

requirements are divided into two Parts:

• Part 3.9.1: Stairway and ramp

construction; and

• Part 3.9.2: Barriers and handrails.

 alt Example:
Part 3.9. Safe movement
and access

Extract from Part 3.9.1.2.

• Each flight of stairs is limited to a
maximum of 18 risers (i.e. steps) and
a minimum of two risers.
• The flight length is limited to restrict
the distance a person could fall down
a stair.
• Landings of a specified length are
considered to halt a person’s fall, and
are not considered part of a flight.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.10 – Ancillary provisions and additional construction
requirements

• This Section contains additional construction requirements ancillary to the

construction of a building or structure.
• Examples include swimming pools, heating appliances, fireplaces,
attached decks and balconies.
• Addresses design requirements for increased structural loading conditions.
• They are to be read in conjunction with the other relevant requirements of
Volume Two.
 Section 3: Parts
Part 3.12 – Energy efficiency

• Contains the energy efficiency requirements for buildings and

structures.
• The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Part 3.12 cover measures to:

• insulate the house fabric (roof, walls and floor);

• control unwanted heat gain or loss through glazing and roof
lights;
• reduce air leakage (infiltration) through penetrations of the
house fabric;
• facilitate air movement for cooling;
• insulate heated water supply pipe work and ducts, etc; and.
• improve efficiency for heating and pumping for swimming
pools and spas.
Need more help?
 Conclusion
Upon completion you will have gained:

• a basic knowledge of the structure;

• an overview of Sections and Parts; and
• an overview of how to apply
NCC Volume Two.
 Assessment Questions
Answers are indicated in red.
Question 1
The NCC applies to:
a) New construction
b) Additions and alterations
c) Change of use
d) All of the above.

Question 2
Volume Two of the NCC contains:
e) The design and construction requirements for Class 2-9 buildings
f) Plumbing and drainage requirements for plumbing associated with all classes of buildings
g) The design and construction requirements for Class 1 and 10 buildings.
 Assessment Questions
(continued)

Question 3
What Class of building would a private bushfire shelter be?

a) Class 1b
b) Class 10a
c) Class 10c
d) None of the above.

Question 4
True or false? A combination of a Performance Solution and a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution can be
used to meet the Performance Requirements.

e) True
f) False.
 Assessment Questions
(continued)

Question 5
Performance Requirements are:

a) Non-mandatory statements provided to give guidance on the intent of provisions

b) Mandatory and must be complied with
c) An optional compliance pathway.

Question 6
True or false? Using the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Section 3 will achieve compliance with the
corresponding Performance Requirements.

d) True
e) False.
 Assessment Questions
(continued)

Question 7
Section 1 of Volume Two contains:

a) Information on the operation and application of the NCC

b) All the Performance Provisions for Volume Two
c) Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions
d) All of the above.

Question 8
Section 3 of Volume Two contains:

e) All Performance Provisions for Volume Two

f) Information on the operation and application of the NCC
g) Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions (Acceptable Construction).
 Assessment Questions
(continued)

Question 9
What Class of building would a small guest or boarding house be?

a) Class 1a
b) Class 1b
c) Class 10a
d) Class 2.

Question 10
True or false? NCC referenced documents are listed in Schedule 4 of Volume Two and these
documents are adopted as a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution to comply with the Performance
Requirements.

e) True
f) False.
 Assessment Questions
(continued)

Question 11
Part 3.7 of Volume Two contains fire safety requirements for buildings such as:

a) Fire separation requirements

b) Requirements for smoke alarms
c) Fire properties for materials and construction
d) All of the above.

Question 12
What facilities are required for Class 1 buildings in accordance with Part 3.8.3 of Volume Two?

e) Kitchen sink, bath and shower, plasma TV, urinal and washbasin
f) Dishwasher, microwave, toilet and washing machine
g) Kitchen sink, bath or shower, clothes washing facility, closet pan and washbasin.
 Copyright, Attribution & Disclaimer
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© Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories of Australia 2020, published by the Australian Building Codes Board.

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