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On 28 November 2023 , Victoria introduced the Building and Plumbing Amendment (Solar Water Heater and Other Matters) Regulations 2023.
These changes amend the Building Regulations 2018 to provide a regulated schedule for the application of certain provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
The amendments include:
- Delayed implementation for livable housing provisions and requirements to consider roof loads to support solar photovoltaic panels until 1 May 2024, in line with other National Construction Code (NCC) livable housing and energy efficiency provisions that also come into effect on 1 May 2024 . Until then, practitioners may continue to use relevant NCC 2019 requirements.
- Modifications to Form 2 – Building Permit in Schedule 4 (of Building Regulations 2018), to require reporting where an exemption or partial compliance has been granted against some clauses in BCA Volume Two – Livable Housing Design (step-free access path requirements). This will become enforceable when the livable housing provisions are adopted on 1 May 2024.
- Effective immediately, any type of solar or heat pump water heater that meets relevant energy efficiency performance standards can be installed in new Class 1 homes, regardless of whether reticulated natural gas is available for connection, meaning the requirement for a gas-boosted solar water heater in those areas has been removed. For more information, visit Plumbing regulatory frawork.
FAQs
When did the amendments to Building Regulations 2018 start?
On 28 November 2023, after the Building and Plumbing Amendment (Solar Water Heater and Other Matters) Regulations 2023 were made by the Governor in Council.
What are the key regulatory amendments affecting building practitioners
| Regulation | Description of change |
|---|---|
| 10A | NCC 2022 Volume One New sub-regulation included to confirm delayed implementation until 1 May 2024 for the following provisions:
|
| Schedule 4 – Form 2 | NCC 2022 Volume Two Amended to include reporting of exemption from or consent to partial compliance of livable housing clauses H8P1(a) and H8D2(2). |
How can I get a copy of the amendment regulations?
The Amendment Regulations can be found on the Victorian Legislation website.
Can I comply with Part G7 and Clauses B1P1(2)(a) and B1D3(a)(iv) of NCC 2022 Volume One now?
Yes, building practitioners can voluntarily apply Part G7 Livable Housing Design and clauses B1P2(a) and B1D3(a)(iv) before 1 May 2024. These provisions will be mandatory from 1 May 2024.
What exemption from the livable housing provisions of NCC 2022 Volume Two need to be reported and when?
An exemption provided to clause H8P1(a) or H8D2 of NCC 2022 Volume Two will need to be reported on Form 2 Building Permit. They relate to provision of step-free access to some buildings. This reporting item will be enforceable from 1 May 2024 with all other NCC 2022 livable housing provisions.
Last updated 30 June 2026