NCC 2025 amended variations

VIC A2G2 performance solutions

(1) A Performance Solution is achieved by demonstrating:

• (a) compliance with all relevant Performance Requirements; or
• (b) the solution is at least equivalent to the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

(2) A Performance Solution must be shown to comply with the relevant Performance Requirements through one or a combination of the following Assessment Methods:

• (a) Evidence of suitability in accordance with Part A5 that shows the use of a material, product, plumbing and drainage product, form of construction or design meets the relevant Performance Requirements.
• (b) A Verification Method including:
  • (i) The Verification Methods provided in the NCC.
  • (ii) Other Verification Methods, accepted by the appropriate authority.
• (c) Expert Judgement.
• (d) Comparison with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

(3) Where a Performance Requirement is satisfied entirely by a Performance Solution, the following method must be used:

• (a) Identify relevant Performance Requirements from the applicable section.
• (b) Identify relevant Performance Requirements from other affected sections.

(4) Where a Performance Requirement is satisfied by a Performance Solution, the following must be undertaken:

• (a) Prepare a performance-based design brief.
• (b) Carry out analysis.
• (c) Evaluate results.
• (d) Prepare a final report including:
  • (i) relevant Performance Requirements and/or Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions;
  • (ii) Assessment Methods used;
  • (iii) details of steps (a)–(c);
  • (iv) confirmation requirements have been met;
  • (v) any conditions or limitations.

(5) A Performance Solution cannot be used to satisfy certain combustible cladding requirements.

Limitations

Where compliance with B1P1(2) or H1P1(2) is proposed to be satisfied by a Performance Solution, it must:

• (a) be at least equivalent to the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions; and
• (b) comply via comparison methods.

Notes

The limitation above does not take effect until 1 year after adoption of NCC 2025.

VIC A5G4 Evidence of suitability – Volume 3 (PCA)

(1) Any product that is intended for use in contact with drinking water must comply with the relevant requirements of AS/NZS 4020, verified in the form of either:

• (a) a test report provided by an Accredited Testing Laboratory, in accordance with AS/NZS 4020; or
• (b) a WaterMark Licence issued in accordance with (3), if it includes compliance with AS/NZS 4020.

(2) Any product that contains copper alloy and is intended for use in contact with drinking water must have a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25% verified in the form of either:

• (a) a test report provided by an Accredited Testing Laboratory, in accordance with NSF/ANSI/CAN 372; or
• (b) a WaterMark Licence issued in accordance with (3), if it includes compliance with NSF/ANSI/CAN 372.

(3) A product of a type listed on the WaterMark Schedule of Products is deemed to be fit for its intended purpose if it has a WaterMark Licence issued in accordance with the WaterMark Scheme Rules.

(4) A product of a type listed on the Watermark Schedule of Excluded Products requires evidence of suitability in the form of:

• (a) a current certificate issued by a certification body stating that the properties and performance of a product can meet the requirements of the PCA; or
• (b) a report issued by an Accredited Testing Laboratory that:
  • (i) demonstrates that the product complies with the relevant requirements of the PCA; and
  • (ii) sets out the tests, results, and supporting information.

(5) Any product that is not covered by (3) or (4) must be subjected to a risk assessment in accordance with the WaterMark Scheme Rules.

(6) Evidence to support that a design or system meets the relevant PCA Performance Requirements must be in the form of any one or any combination of the following:

• (a) The design or system complies with a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision.
• (b) The design or system is a Performance Solution from a professional engineer or a recognised expert that:
  • (i) certifies compliance; and
  • (ii) explains the basis relied upon.
• (c) Any other form of documentary evidence that:
  • (i) demonstrates compliance; and
  • (ii) explains the basis relied upon.

Notes

On-site wastewater management systems larger than covered by the standards are exempt and a Performance Solution is required.

Applications

Products subject to the requirements of A5G4(2) are specifically nominated in the WaterMark Schedule of Products and the WaterMark Schedule of Excluded Products.

Exemptions

(1) Products that are used exclusively for non-drinking uses such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation or any other uses where water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption are excluded from the requirements of A5G4(2).

Explanatory information

Some examples of products subject to A5G4(2) include the following:

• Copper alloy fittings
• Stainless-steel braided hoses
• Valves (such as valves for isolation, backflow prevention, alteration of pressure and temperature)
• Taps and mixers
• Water meters
• Pumps (for use with cold and heated water services)
• Water heaters
• Residential water filtration equipment
• Water dispensers (such as boiling and cooling units, drinking fountains and bottle fillers)
• Fire sprinkler systems connected to the cold water service that are not isolated from fixtures and fittings intended to supply water for human consumption.

Some examples of products excluded from the requirements of A5G4(2) include the following:

• Shower heads for bathing.
• Emergency showers, eye wash and/or face wash equipment.
• Pumps used for irrigation, fire-fighting or other non-drinking water purposes.
• Fire-fighting water services and equipment including residential fire sprinklers.
• Appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers.
• Commercial boilers associated with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
• Sanitary fixtures (such as toilets, cistern inlet valves, bidets and urinals.
• Non-drinking water systems (such as recycled water systems).

A5G4(1) requires any product intended for use in contact with drinking water to comply with AS/NZS 4020. Compliance is achieved by passing the relevant tests set out in the Standard.

Evidence of compliance must then be provided in accordance with A5G4(1), under which there are two options. The first, at A5G4(1)(a), recognises test reports and certificates that cover compliance with AS/NZS 4020 only. The second, at A5G4(1)(b), recognises WaterMark Licences where compliance with AS/NZS 4020 is a requirement of the relevant product Standard or WaterMark Technical Specification.

For products that are of a type listed on the WaterMark Schedule of Products, A5G4(2) requires that these products have a WaterMark Licence. A WaterMark Licence reflects that the product has been certified and authorised in accordance with the WaterMark Scheme Rules.

For products that are not subject to WaterMark certification (i.e. excluded products), evidence that can be used to support that the product is fit for its intended purpose is provided in A5G4(3). This may include demonstrating compliance with a product specification referenced in the WaterMark Schedule of Excluded Products, where one is available.

A5G4(4) provides that any product that is not listed on the WaterMark Schedule of Products or the WaterMark Schedule of Excluded Products must be subjected to a risk assessment in accordance with the WaterMark Scheme Rules. The risk assessment will determine whether the product in question requires certification and authorisation, or if it should be listed as an “excluded product”. This in turn will determine the form of evidence of suitability applicable to the product.

Explanatory information: What is WaterMark?

The WaterMark Certification Scheme is a mandatory certification scheme for plumbing and drainage products to ensure that these products are fit for purpose and appropriately authorised for use in a plumbing or drainage system.

The PCA, through Part A5, requires certain plumbing and drainage products to be certified and authorised for use in a plumbing or drainage system. These products are certified through the WaterMark Certification Scheme and listed on the WaterMark Product Database.

The WaterMark Certification Scheme is governed by the WaterMark Scheme Rules, which are available for download from the ABCB website at: www.abcb.gov.au. These rules set out the requirements for risk assessments, evaluation, certification, and the drafting of WaterMark Technical Specifications.

When a product is listed on the WaterMark Schedule of Products then, for it to be certified and authorised, the product must—

• be tested by an Accredited Testing Laboratory; and
• comply with an approved product specification (either a relevant existing product Standard or a WaterMark Technical Specification); and
• be manufactured in accordance with an approved Quality Assurance Program; and
• carry a scope of use.

Products that comply fully with the applicable requirements of the WaterMark Certification Scheme are then eligible to be certified by a WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body and listed on the WaterMark Product Database. Certified products are identifiable by the WaterMark certification trade mark, shown in Figure A5G4 below, that must be displayed on the product upon granting of a WaterMark Licence.

Figure A5G4 (explanatory): WaterMark Certification Scheme Trademarks

Children’s room: a room used exclusively for the care or education of children while the children are attending the service, but does not include a toilet, a kitchen, an administration room or any other ancillary area.

Restricted children’s service: A children’s service that is a limited hours service as defined in the Children’s Services Regulations 2020

Early childhood centre

Includes:

1. centre-based education and care services (excluding school-aged care); and
2. a children’s service.

Flashing

Includes:

1. Perimeter flashing
2. Vertical flashing
3. Roof flashing

On-site wastewater management system

A system that receives and/or treats wastewater and discharges to disposal, reuse, or land application systems.

1. an approved disposal system; or
2. re-use system; or
3. land application system.

VIC B1D6 (3) Construction in Buildings in Flood Hazard Areas

(3) The definition of defined flood level in the ABCB Standard for Construction of Buildings in Flood Hazard Areas is replaced with that in Schedule 1.

VIC D2D1(1)(a) Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

D2D2 to VIC D2D24, D3D2 to D3D31 and D4D2 to D4D13; and

VIC D2D9 Width of doorways in exits or paths of travel to exits

(1) Drafting as per national D2D9

Notwithstanding (1), in Class 3 and Class 9a residential aged care buildings, the unobstructed width of all bedroom entrance doorways must be not less than 900 mm.

VIC D2D24 Doorways to a children’s room

In an early childhood centre, a children’s room must:

1. have a doorway providing direct access to or from:
   1. an outdoor play area; or
   2. a passage leading to an outdoor area, open space or other safe egress point; or
   3. a fire-isolated exit; and
2. where the children’s room accommodates more than 21 children, at least two doorways complying with (a)) that are separated as far as practicable.

VIC D3D26(1) Operation of latch

• (1) A door in a required exit, forming part of a required exit or in the path of travel to a required exit must be readily openable without a key from the side that faces a person seeking egress, by:
  • (a) a single hand downward action on a single device which:
    • (i) for a door in a required exit in an early childhood centre that does not open to an outdoor space enclosed in accordance with G1D4—
      • (A) is located between 1.5 m and 1.65 m above the floor; and
      • (B) returns the door to the fully closed position immediately after each opening; and
    • (ii) in all other locations, located between 900 mm and 1.1 m above the floor; and
    • (iii) if serving an area required to be accessible by Part D4:
      • (A) be such that the hand of a person who cannot grip will not slip from the handle;
      • (B) have a clearance between the handle and the door of not less than 35 mm and not more than 45 mm.
  • (b) a single hand pushing action on a single device which:
    • (i) for early childhood centre exits:
      • (A) located between 1.5 m and 1.65 m above the floor;
      • (B) returns to fully closed position after use; and
    • (ii) in all other locations, located between 900 mm and 1.2 m above the floor.

VIC E1D6 Where sprinklers are required: Class 2 and 3 buildings other than residential care buildings

• (1) Sprinklers are required throughout:
  • (a) A shared accommodation building; and
  • (b) In a Class 2 or 3 building where:
    • (i) rise in storeys of 4 or more; and
    • (ii) effective height not more than 25 m.
• (2) The requirements do not apply to:
  • (a) a residential care building; and
  • a Class 8 electricity network substation under 200 m² located within a multi-classified building..

VIC S17C15 Balconies in Class 2, 3, 9a and 9c buildings

Covered balconies in Class 2, 3, 9a or 9c buildings must be sprinkler protected.

VIC S18C5 Balconies in Class 2 and 3 buildings

Covered balconies in Class 2 or 3 buildings must be sprinkler protected.

VIC F4D2(6) Grabrails

(6) In addition to (3) and (5), in a Class 3 and 9a residential aged care building and Class 9c building, grabrails must be provided in association with every closet pan, shower or bath utilised by residents in accordance with AS 1428.1.

F4D4 – Facilities in Class 3 to 9 buildings

• (9) A Class 9b early childhood centre, other than a restricted children’s service, must be provided with—
  • (a)      a kitchen or food preparation area with a kitchen sink, separate hand washing facilities, space for a refrigerator and space for cooking facilities, with—
    • (i) the facilities protected by a door or gate with child proof latches to prevent unsupervised access to the facilities by children younger than 5 years old; and
    • (ii) the ability to facilitate supervision of children from the facilities if the early childhood centre accommodates children younger than 2 years old; and
  • (b) one bath, shower or shower-bath; and
  • (c) if the centre accommodates children younger than 3 years old—
    • (i) a laundry facility comprising a washtub and space in the same room for a washing machine; and
    • (ii) a bench type baby bath, which is within 1 m of the nappy change bench; and
    • (iii) a nappy changing bench which—
      • (A) is within 1 m of separate adult hand washing facilities and bench type baby bath; and
      • (B) must be not less than 0.9 m² in area and at a height of not less than 850 mm, but not more than 900 mm above the finished floor level; and
      • (C) must have a space not less than 800 mm high, 500 mm wide and 800 mm deep for the storage of steps; and
      • (D) is positioned to permit a staff member changing a nappy to have visibility of the play area at all times.

• (15) A restricted children’s service must be provided with—
  • (a) a kitchen or facilities for the preparation or cooking of food for children including washing up facilities and a space for refrigerated food storage facilities; and
  • (b) if the service accommodates children younger than 3 years of age—
    • (i) a laundry facility comprising a washtub and space in the same room for a washing machine; and
    • a bench-type baby bath, and a nappy change bench in close proximity.

VIC Table F4D4g: Sanitary facilities in Class 9b buildings – early childhood centres

VIC F4D13 First aid rooms

If an assembly building, or an open spectator stand accommodates more than 5000 spectators at an arena, sportsground, showground, racecourse, cricket ground, football ground, coursing ground, motor racing arena, or the like, a suitable room or rooms must be provided in accordance with VIC Table F4D13 for use by para-medical attendants for first aid purposes.

VIC I4D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

Performance Requirement VIC I4P1 is satisfied by complying with VIC I4D2.

VIC I4D2 Electronic communication system

A communication system must:

• (a) contain a back-up power supply; and
• (b) have a control that enables the call to be cancelled manually at the point of origin only; and
• (c) incorporate a device at the point of origin that indicates the system has operated; and
• (d) incorporate an indication panel in the manager’s office or staff area that clearly indicates the point of origin of a call; and
• (e) for systems not using personal staff communication devices, have an audible tone that has a continuous signal until deactivated at the point of origin; and
• (f) be operational at all times; and
• (g) have two call points in each ensuite or combined shower/water closet with one call point located in the shower recess and the other on the wall beside the closet pan ahead of the bowl rim; and
• (h) have call points (other than those mentioned in (g) which are located:
  • (i) within the reach of a resident whilst in bed; and
  • (ii) in all common habitable rooms; and
• in all bathrooms, sanitary compartments and shower rooms where the call point must be of waterproof construction and within the reach of any fallen resident.

Applications

VIC I4D2 only applies to Class 3 and Class 9a residential aged care buildings and Class 9c.

VIC B1D3 General Requirements

(1) A cold water service must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1.

(2) Notwithstanding (1), all pipes and fittings used above-ground that supply fire hydrant systems, including combined sprinkler and hydrant systems, must comply with the material requirements of AS 2419.1 for above-ground pipework as for hydrant system pipes and fittings.

(3) A hose tap must be provided adjacent to urinals in sanitary facilities that are open to the public.

VIC B3D3 General requirements

A non-drinking water service must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1, subject to the following:

Substitute clause 9.7.1(a) as follows:

9.7.1(a) be of a type that has a removable handle;

Substitute the text of clause 9.7.1(c) as follows:

9.7.1(c) have a non-standard inlet connecting thread and a standard hose connection outlet.

VIC B4D2 General Requirements

(1) Fire-fighting water services for Class 2 to Class 9 buildings and structures must comply with the requirements of Part E1 of Volume 1 of the NCC.

(2) The installation of a fire-fighting water service must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1.

(3) Fire-fighting water service work must be in accordance, as appropriate, with:

• AS 4118.1.1,
• AS 4118.1.2,
• AS 4118.1.3,
• AS 4118.1.4,
• AS 4118.1.5,
• AS 4118.1.6,
• AS 4118.1.7,
• AS 4118.1.8,
• AS 2941,
• AS 2118.2,
• AS 2118.3,
• AS 2118.8,and
• AS 1851.

Explanatory information

NCC Volume 1 requires the installation of fire-fighting equipment including fire hose reels, fire hydrants and automatic fire suppression systems in certain types of buildings.

The installation of fire-fighting water services in Class 1 buildings is not required by NCC Volume 2, however, where these services are installed voluntarily, they must be in accordance with Part B4.

VIC B6P8 Rainwater service

(1) A rainwater service must-

• (a) avoid the likelihood of contamination of water within the rainwater service, the cold water service, or the Network Utility Operator's drinking water supply (if connected); and
• (b) not pose a hazard to public health; and
• (c) not have an unprotected cross-connection with any Network Utility Operator's drinking water service; and
• (d) ensure continual supply of water for sanitary flushing.

Application

B6P8(1)(d) applies if a reticulated water supply from a network utility operator is connected, or proposed to be connected, to a building where a rainwater tank is installed for the purpose of sanitary flushing.

VIC B6D1(1) – Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

(1) Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements B6P1 to B6P8 are satisfied by complying with B6D2 to B6D8.

VIC B6D8 Automatic or manual interchange device

• (1) An automatic or manual interchange device that allows alternate use of water from the rainwater tank or the reticulated water supply must be installed to ensure that there is a continual supply of water for sanitary flushing.

Application

B6D8 applies if a reticulated water supply from a network utility operator is connected, or proposed to be connected, to a building where a rainwater tank is installed for the purpose of sanitary flushing.

Insert under B5D7 (6) as follows:

(x)A water point installed adjacent to a water closet that is not connected to a sanitary fixture (e.g. handheld douche spray).

B5D7(6) Exemptions

• (a) Vic B5D7(6)(x) does not apply to a hose tap that is provided adjacent to urinals in sanitary facilities that are open to the public.
• (b) B5D7(10)(b) does not apply to a non-drinking water service provided to the property by a Network Utility Operator as part of a dual water supply.

(1) A sanitary drainage system must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.2; subject to the following—

• (a) insert Clause 4.4.2.1(e):

  4.4.2.1 (e) Where an inspection shaft or boundary trap riser in a below ground sanitary drainage system is not subject to Clause 4.4.2.1(c), a light cover must be installed in a visible location and have the top of the riser protected from damage (e.g. by concrete or similar means of protection).

• (b) insert Clause 4.6.2(d):

  4.6.2 (d) Have risers installed vertically with no offsets.

• (c) replace Clause 5.3(c) with:

  5.3(c) Under all bends greater than DN 65 forming vertical risers.

• (d) replace Clause 5.4.2(d) with:

  5.4.2 (d): Free running sand, excavated from the trench, capable of passing through a 2 mm mesh sieve, which does not contain clay, organic or other deleterious materials.

• (e) After 15.1, insert Clause 15.1(A) as follows:

15.1(A) Testing of a sanitary drainage installation.

• (a) If installed at a property provided with non-drinking water by the Network Utility Operator, testing of a sanitary drainage installation may be carried out in accordance with—
  • (i)   a water test using non-drinking water provided by the Network Utility Operator in accordance with clause15.2; or
  • (ii)  an air test in accordance with clause 15.3; or
  • (iii)  vacuum test in accordance with clause 15.4; or
  • (iv)) in cases other than in (a), testing may be carried out by way of—
    • (i) an air test in accordance with clause 15.3; or (ii B) a vacuum test in accordance with clause 15.4.
• (f)        Insert Clause 3.2A after Clause 3.2 as follows:
  • 3.2A Standards for the laying of below-ground sanitary drains
  • Where a below-ground sanitary drain is unable to comply with Clause 3.2 of AS/NZS 3500.2, the below-ground sanitary drain must:
    • (a)  be laid as a straight line of drain with no branches or changes in direction; and
    • (b)  be constructed of a material that complies with the requirements in Section 2 of AS/NZS 3500.2; and
    • (c)   have inspection openings with shafts terminating at the finished surface level, installed in permanently accessible positions, in the open air at the upstream entry and downstream exit points.

(2) Insert Clause 3.10.3.1 after Clause 3.10.3 as follows:

Clause 3.10.3.1 Discharge pipes measuring DN 50 or smaller must not be installed in a below ground sanitary drainage system, except for discharge pipes connected to floor waste gullies or vertical riser from a graded drain.

VIC C4P1 Requirements for low risk on-site liquid trade waste management practices

A low risk liquid trade waste appliance must—

• (a) be located as close as practicable to the fixtures that it serves and if of the portable type must be installed above ground; and
• (b) be fitted with a cover which is able to withstand vehicular or pedestrian traffic or other loads likely to be imposed on it and is readily removable by one person; and
• (c) be constructed of materials suitable for the nature of the wastes likely to be discharged through the appliance.

(2)   A low risk liquid trade waste appliance must—

• (a) if fitted with an airtight cover, be provided with a DN 32, DN 50 or DN 80 sized vent as nominated by the relevant Network Utility Operator; and
• (b) be provided with the following outlet ventilation—
  • (i) if installed outside a building, a DN 100 sized riser off a disconnector gully in accordance with clause 4.6.2 of AS/NZS 3500.2;
  • (ii) if not of the portable type and installed inside a building, a DN 50 sized vent off a disconnector gully in accordance with clause 4.6.5 of AS/NZS 3500.2; and
  • (iii) if of the portable type installed inside a building, a DN 50 sized vent off a DN 80 sized trap riser in accordance with clause 4.6.5 of AS/NZS 3500.2.

(3) If a low risk liquid trade waste appliance and outlet vent are interconnected, the interconnection must be in accordance with the Network Utility Operator’s specifications, requirements, or standard drawings.

(4) The outlet from a low risk liquid trade waste appliance must—

• (a) if of the portable type receiving a hydraulic loading of up to 5 fixture units, be a minimum size of DN 50; or
• (b) if of the portable type receiving a hydraulic loading of more than 5 fixture units, be a minimum size of DN 80; or
• (c) in cases other than that in (a) or (b), be a minimum size of DN 100; and
• (d) have a separate trap, of the same size as the outlet pipe, installed at its outlet.; and
• (e) be in accordance with the Network Utility Operator’s specifications, requirements, or standard drawings.

(5) In this clause hydraulic loading means the rate of discharge imposed on a sanitary plumbing installation and is measured in fixture units; low risk liquid trade waste means water-borne discharges other than sewage that are classified by an Authority within the meaning of the Water Act 1989 as being of low risk from causing harm to the environment and the assets of that Authority; low risk liquid trade waste appliance means an appliance that traps and partially or wholly treats low risk liquid trade waste and prevents it from entering the sewerage system.

Notes

The relevant Authority under the Water Act 1989 or the holder of a licence under the Water Industry Act 1994 may specify conditions of connection to a sewer for low risk trade waste to enter that sewer and may also require that the waste passes through a low risk liquid trade waste appliance of a type nominated by the Authority or holder of a licence before it enters the sewer.

E3P1 Roof drainage systems

A roof drainage system must dispose of stormwater flows from rainfall events having an annual exceedance probability appropriate to:

(a) The importance of the building.

(b) The severity of potential damage to property, loss of amenity, illness or injury that would result from the failure of the system.

VIC E3P2 Overflow

A roof drainage system must have an appropriate overflow device to transfer stormwater flows so that it avoids damage to property or hazard to people from a storm with an annual exceedance probability of 1%.

Part E4 Stormwater – Surface drainage Systems

VIC E4O1 Objective

The Objective of this Part is to—

• (a) safeguard people from illness, injury or loss (including loss of amenity) due to the failure of a drainage installation;
• (b ) ensure that a stormwater drainage installation is adequate; and (c b) conserve water and energy; and
• (c) safeguard the environment; and
• (d) safeguard public and private infrastructure; and
• (e) ensure that a stormwater drainage installation is designed and is capable of being maintained so that throughout its serviceable life it will continue to satisfy Objectives (a) to (e).

VIC E4F1 Functional statement

Buildings and their surroundings are to be provided with a surface drainage installation and be constructed in such a manner as to provide protection for people, property and the environment from the adverse effects of stormwater.

VIC E4D2 General requirements

The design, construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration and maintenance of surface drainage systems must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.3.