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Page 2

                                                Public Comment Draft
                                                     Front matter


Copyright and Licence Notice

© Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories of Australia 2020, published by the Australian Building Codes
Board




The material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives - 4.0 International licence,
with the exception of:
•   any third party material
•   any trade marks, and
•   any images or photographs.
You may not make derivatives of this publication, but may only use a verbatim copy. More information on this CC BY ND
license is set out at the Creative Commons Website. Enquiries about this publication can be sent to:
Australian Building Codes Board
GPO Box 2013, Canberra ACT 2601
                                                     T
Phone: 1300 134 631
Email: [email protected]
                                                   AF
Web: abcb.gov.au


Attribution
                                       DR


Use of all or part of this publication must include the following attribution: © Commonwealth of Australia and the States
and Territories 2022, published by the Australian Building Codes Board.


Disclaimer
By accessing or using this publication, you agree to the following:
While care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, it may not be complete or up-to-date. You can ensure that
you are using a complete and up-to-date version by checking the Australian Building Codes Board website (abcb.gov.au).
The Australian Building Codes Board, the Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia do not accept
any liability, including liability for negligence, for any loss (howsoever caused), damage, injury, expense or cost incurred
by any person as a result of accessing, using or relying upon this publication, to the maximum extent permitted by law. No
representation or warranty is made or given as to the currency, accuracy, reliability, merchantability, fitness for any purpose
or completeness of this publication or any information which may appear on any linked websites, or in other linked
information sources, and all such representations and warranties are excluded to the extent permitted by law.
This publication is not legal or professional advice. Persons rely upon this publication entirely at their own risk and must
take responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of the information in relation to their particular circumstances.




                                                                                                                       Page 2


[OCR of page images]
Public Comment Draft
Front matter

 

 

Copyright and Licence Notice

 

© Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories of Australia 2020, published by the Australian Building Codes
Board

EOOS

BY NC ND

The material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives - 4.0 International licence,
with the exception of:

e any third party material
e any trade marks, and
e any images or photographs.

You may not make derivatives of this publication, but may only use a verbatim copy. More information on this CC BY ND
license is set out at the Creative Commons Website. Enquiries about this publication can be sent to:

Australian Building Codes Board
GPO Box 2013, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 1300 134 631

Email: [email protected]

Web: abcb.gov.au

Attribution

Use of all or part of this publication must include the following attribution: © Commonwealth of Australia and the States
and Territories 2022, published by the Australian Building Codes Board.

Disclaimer

By accessing or using this publication, you agree to the following:

While care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, it may not be complete or up-to-date. You can ensure that
you are using a complete and up-to-date version by checking the Australian Building Codes Board website (abcb.gov.au).

The Australian Building Codes Board, the Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia do not accept
any liability, including liability for negligence, for any loss (howsoever caused), damage, injury, expense or cost incurred
by any person as a result of accessing, using or relying upon this publication, to the maximum extent permitted by law. No
representation or warranty is made or given as to the currency, accuracy, reliability, merchantability, fitness for any purpose
or completeness of this publication or any information which may appear on any linked websites, or in other linked
information sources, and all such representations and warranties are excluded to the extent permitted by law.

This publication is not legal or professional advice. Persons rely upon this publication entirely at their own risk and must
take responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of the information in relation to their particular circumstances.

 

Page 2

Page 3

                                                  Public Comment Draft
                                                       Front matter


General table of contents

Front matter
                         Copyright and Licence Notice......................................................................................2
                         Introduction ..................................................................................................................4
                         Referenced documents ................................................................................................5

               Livable Housing Design
  Part 1                 Dwelling access ............................................................................................................7
  Part 2                 Dwelling entrance.........................................................................................................9
  Part 3                 Internal doors and corridors .......................................................................................11
  Part 4                 Toilet ............................................................................................................................12
  Part 5                 Shower ........................................................................................................................14
  Part 6                 Reinforcement of bathroom and toilet walls..............................................................15

                                                        T
                                                      AF
                                      DR




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Public Comment Draft
Front matter

 

General table of contents

 

Front matter

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6

Copyright and Licence Notice.............cscessssssssseseseeesesesesesesessecssesssesssesesessseesssessseeeeees 2
INtPOGUCTION 0.0.0... eeceeeeeseeeseecseecseeeseeeseeesceccseceseseseecseseessecseseseseaeecseeceseecseesseeeseseseeoeses 4
Referenced COCUMENES ...........cesseesecsseseseeessessseesseesseeeseesseseseesseeseeeseseecseseseseeesecseeeaeeees 5

Livable Housing Design
Dwelling ACCESS 0.0... .eeeeseessceseceseeeseeesseceseecseseseseseseseeceseseseessescseseeeeesessaeseaeeeseeessenseens 7
Dwelling Entrance. ...........ceesscsscessesesecsseesssecssessseesseeseeessssceeecseeesesesesesseeeesesseseseseaeseees 9

Internal doors and corridors

 

TOilet oe ee eeceseeseesececeescesseecsseecseesseecsesesssessescseecsesesescsecseeecsesesesesesceeecessesseseseseeeeonse 12
SHOWED... ccescccsesseesssecsesseescsseescsseesessssesesseesssssesscsssesesseesscsssecossesesssessscsssesscsseescneseees 14
Reinforcement of bathroom and toilet Walls.............. ce sssesssseeseseeseseeeseseseseeeeesseeenee 15

 

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                                             Public Comment Draft
                                                  Front matter


Introduction


Background
This ABCB Standard provides a set of technical provisions that if complied with will enable dwellings to better meet the
needs of the community, including older Australians and people with mobility limitations.
This ABCB Standard has been adapted from the ‘Silver’ level requirements of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines
(LHDG), fourth edition, 2017, which were first published by Livable Housing Australia.
It is important to note that this ABCB Standard is not an exact replication of the LHDG. There are instances where
adjustments have been made in order to convert the LHDG — which was drafted as a voluntary guideline — into a
document suitable for use as a regulatory standard. There are also instances where adjustments have been made in
response to stakeholder feedback provided through one or more of the consultation processes that occurred in the
development of this document.


Scope
This ABCB Standard is intended as a set of minimum necessary provisions, rather than as an exemplar of best practice.
This is consistent with the role of the National Construction Code (NCC) which calls up this ABCB Standard.
This ABCB Standard is not intended for use in designing specialist accommodation, nor is it intended to achieve
equivalence with AS 1428.1. Therefore, its provisions may not accommodate the needs and abilities of all home occupants.
Nonetheless, the features described herein are considered to be of most widespread benefit and use in the majority of
                                                   T
circumstances.
                                                 AF
Application
In this ABCB Standard, generic references are made to ‘dwellings’. The specific application of this ABCB Standard to
particular types of dwelling is determined according to the particular regulation or guideline in which the ABCB Standard
may be referenced.
                                     DR


In general, the provisions of this ABCB Standard are designed for application to Class 1a buildings (houses and the like)
and Class 2 sole-occupancy units (apartments), as defined in the NCC.
This ABCB Standard is referenced in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Part G7 of NCC Volume One and Part H8 of
NCC Volume Two.
The ABCB will also publish a non-mandatory version of this ABCB Standard based on the LHDG ‘Gold’ level requirements,
which can be applied on a voluntary basis to achieve a higher level of livability.

Terms with a specific meaning
In this ABCB Standard, terms shown in italicised text have the meaning that they have in the NCC.




                                                                                                                  Page 4


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Public Comment Draft
Front matter

 

 

Background

This ABCB Standard provides a set of technical provisions that if complied with will enable dwellings to better meet the
needs of the community, including older Australians and people with mobility limitations.

This ABCB Standard has been adapted from the ‘Silver’ level requirements of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines
(LHDG), fourth edition, 2017, which were first published by Livable Housing Australia.

It is important to note that this ABCB Standard is not_an exact replication of the LHDG. There are instances where
adjustments have been made in order to convert the LHDG — which was drafted as a voluntary guideline — into a
document suitable for use as a requlatory standard. There are also instances where adjustments have been made in
response to stakeholder feedback provided through one or more of the consultation processes that occurred in the

development of this document.

Scope

This ABCB Standard is intended as a set of minimum necessary provisions, rather than as an exemplar of best practice.
This is consistent with the role of the National Construction Code (NCC) which calls up this ABCB Standard.

This ABCB Standard is not intended for use in designing specialist accommodation, nor is it intended to achieve
equivalence with AS 1428.1. Therefore, its provisions may not accommodate the needs and abilities of all home occupants.
Nonetheless, the features described herein are considered to be of most widespread benefit and use in the majority of
circumstances.

Application

In this ABCB Standard, generic references are made to “dwellings’. The specific application of this ABCB Standard to
particular types of dwelling is determined accordingtoithe particular regulation or guideline in which the ABCB Standard
may be referenced.

In general, the provisions of this ABCB Standard are designed for application to Class 1a buildings (houses and the like)
and Class 2 sole-occupancy units (apartments), astdefined in the NCC.

This ABCB Standard is referenced in the Déemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Part G7 of NCC Volume One and Part H8 of
NCC Volume Two.

The ABCB will also publish a non-mandatory version of this ABCB Standard based on the LHDG ‘Gold’ level requirements,
which can be applied on a voluntary basis to achieve a higher level of livability.

 

Terms with a specific meaning
In this ABCB Standard, terms shown in italicised text have the meaning that they have in the NCC.

 

Page 4

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                                             Public Comment Draft
                                                  Front matter


Referenced documents

The documents listed in Table 1 are referenced in this Standard.

Table 1              Referenced documents

Number                        Date                          Title                         References
AS/NZS 1170.1                 2002                          Structural design actions –   1.1
                                                            Permanent and imposed
                                                            actions (including
                                                            Amendments 1 and 2)
AS 1684 (series)              2010                          Residential timber-framed     1.1
                                                            construction
AS 3740                       2010                          Waterproofing of domestic     5.2, 5.3
                                                            wet areas (including
                                                            Amendment 1)



                                                  T
                                                AF
                                     DR




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Front matter

 

 

Referenced documents

 

The documents listed in Table 1 are referenced in this Standard.

 

Table 1: Referenced documents

AS/NZS 1170.1 2002 Structural design actions— | 1.1
Permanent and imposed
actions (including
Amendments 1 and 2)
AS 1684 (series) 2010 Residential timber-framed 1.1
construction

AS 3740 Waterproofing of domestic | 5.2, 5.3
wet areas (including
Amendment 1)

INO
INO

 

INO
oO

 

INO
=
jo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                              Public Comment Draft
                             Livable Housing Design


Livable Housing Design

Part 1        Dwelling access
              1.1               Step-free access path
              1.2               Parking space incorporated into step-free access path

Part 2        Dwelling entrance
              2.1               Clear opening width
              2.2               Threshold
              2.3               Landing area

Part 3        Internal doors and corridors
              3.1               Clear opening width
              3.2               Threshold
              3.3               Corridor width

Part 4        Toilet
              4.1               Location
              4.2               Circulation space
                                    T
Part 5        Shower
              5.1               Application
                                  AF

              5.2               Hobless and step-free entry
              5.3               Shower screen

Part 6        Reinforcement of bathroom and toilet walls
                         DR


              6.1               Location
              6.2               Construction




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Part 1 Dwelling access
11 Step-free access path
1.2 Parking space incorporated into step-free access path
Part 2 Dwelling entrance
24 Clear opening width
2.2 Threshold
2.3 Landing area
Part 3 Internal doors and corridors
31 Clear opening width
3.2 Threshold
3.3 Corridor width
Part 4 Toilet
41 Location
4.2 Circulation spa
Part 5 Shower
51 Application
5.2
5.3

  

Part 6 Reinforcement of

D> |
RD

 

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                                                  Public Comment Draft
                                                 Livable Housing Design


Part 1                Dwelling access



1.1                      Step-free access path
1. A safe, continuous path to a dwelling entrance door must be provided from—
      a. the pedestrian entry at the allotment boundary; or
      b. an appurtenant Class 10a garage or carport; or
      c.   a car parking space within the allotment and provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of the dwelling.
2. The access path required by (1) must—
      a. have no steps; and
      b. have a maximum gradient of 1:14 in the direction of travel; and
      c.   if crossfall is provided, have a crossfall not exceeding 1:40; and
      d. have a minimum width of 1000 mm; and
      e. if it incorporates a section suspended above finished ground level, take loading forces in accordance with AS/NZS
         1170.1; and
      f.   connect to a dwelling entrance door that complies with Section 2.
3. For the purposes of (2), the following applies:
                                                        T
      a. Any gates along the access path must have a minimum clear opening width of 820 mm, measured as if the gate
         were an entrance door.
                                                      AF
      b. A deck or boardwalk-style path constructed in accordance with AS 1684 would satisfy the requirements of (2)(e).
4. Where one or more ramps are used, the following applies:
      a. The aggregate length of ramping (excluding landings) must not exceed—
           i.    9 m for a 1:14 gradient; or
                                           DR


           ii.   15 m for a 1:20 gradient; or
           iii. a length determined by linear interpolation for ramps with a gradient between 1:14 and 1:20.
      b. At each end of a ramp there must be a landing that is—
           i.    not less than 1200 mm long; and
           ii.   at least as wide as the ramp to which it connects.
      c.   The landing space required by (b) must be measured exclusive of the swing arc of any door or gate that opens
           on to the landing.
5. The access path may incorporate one step ramp having a—
      a. height of no more than 190 mm; and
      b. gradient not exceeding 1:10; and
      c.   width of at least 1000 mm or equivalent to that of the access path, whichever is the greater; and
      d. maximum length of 1900 mm, irrespective of the gradient.


 Applications
 Clause 1.1 only applies to a Class 1a building.


 Information access via a garage, carport or parking space
 Where step-free access is provided from a garage, carport or parking space, this can be through a connecting door
 between the garage, carport or parking space and the dwelling. The connecting door need not be the main entrance
 door (sometimes referred to as the ‘front‘ door) but would need to comply with Section 2.



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Livable Housing Design

 

=

 

Step-free access path
A safe, continuous path to a dwelling entrance door must be provided from—
a. the pedestrian entry at the allotment boundary: or
b. an appurtenant Class 10a garage or carport; or

 

c. acar parking space within the allotment and provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of the dwelling.
The access path required by (1) must—

have no steps; and

have a maximum gradient of 1:14 in the direction of travel; and

if crossfall is provided, have a crossfall not exceeding 1:40; and

have a minimum width of 1000 mm; and

oaos,r »

if itincorporates a section suspended above finished ground level, take loading forces in accordance with AS/NZS
1170.1; and

f. connect to a dwelling entrance door that complies with Section 2.

 

For the purposes of (2), the following applies:

 

a. Any gates along the access path must have a minimum clear opening width of 820 mm, measured as if the gate
were an entrance door.

b. Adeck or boardwalk-style path constructed in accordance with AS 1684 would satisfy the requirements of (2)(e).
Where one or more ramps are used, the following appliés:
a. The aggregate length of ramping (excludingJandings) must not exceed—

i. 9m fora 1:14 gradient; or

ii. 15m fora 1:20 gradient: or
iii. a length determined by linear interpolation for ramps with a gradient between 1:14 and 1:20.

b. Ateach end of a ramp there must be‘a@landing that is—

i. notless than 1200 mm long: and
ii. atleast as wide as the ramp to which it connects.

 

c. The landing space required by (b) must be measured exclusive of the swing arc of any door or gate that opens
on to the landing.

The access path may incorporate one step ramp having a—

a. height of no more than 190 mm; and

gradient not exceeding 1:10: and
width of at least 1000 mm or equivalent to that of the access path, whichever is the greater; and

aoo

maximum length of 1900 mm, irrespective of the gradient.

Applications
Clause 1.1 only applies to a Class 1a building.

 

Information access via a garage, carport or parking space

Where step-free access is provided from a garage, carport or parking space, this can be through a connecting door
between the garage, carport or parking space and the dwelling. The connecting door need not be the main entrance
door (sometimes referred to as the ‘front’ door) but would need to comply with Section 2.

 

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                                               Public Comment Draft                                                   1.1
                                              Livable Housing Design

 Information Class 2 buildings
 For a Class 2 building, requirements for a step-free access path are provided in Section D of NCC Volume One and the
 ‘Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010’. Therefore, Clause 1.1 only applies to Class 1a buildings.



1.2                   Parking space incorporated into step-free access path
1. Where one or more car parking spaces are connected to or form part of a required access path, at least one of the
   car parking spaces must have—
      a. a minimum unobstructed space of 3200 mm wide x 5400 mm long; and
      b. a gradient not exceeding 1:33 for bitumen, or 1:40 for any other surface material.
2. For the purposes of (1), a required access path means—
      a. for a Class 1a building, an access path provided for the purposes of compliance with Clause 1.1; and
      b. for a Class 2 building, an accessway that is required by Section D of NCC Volume One.


 Applications
 1. Clause 1.2 only applies to a car parking space provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of the dwelling.
 2. Clause 1.2 does not apply if the dwelling is not provided with any car parking spaces for the exclusive use of the
    occupants of the dwelling.                      T
                                                  AF
                                       DR




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Public Comment Draft 1:1
Livable Housing Design

Information Class 2 buildings

For a Class 2 building, requirements for a step-free access path are provided in Section D of NCC Volume One and the
‘Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010’. Therefore, Clause 1.1 only applies to Class 1a buildings.

1.2 Parking space incorporated into step-free access path

1. Where one or more car parking spaces are connected to or form part of a required access path, at least one of the
car parking spaces must have—

a. aminimum unobstructed space of 3200 mm wide x 5400 mm long; and
b. agradient not exceeding 1:33 for bitumen, or 1:40 for any other surface material.
2. For the purposes of (1), a required access path means—
a. fora Class 1a building, an access path provided for the purposes of compliance with Clause 1.1; and

b. fora Class 2 building, an accessway that is required by Section D of NCC Volume One.

Applications
1. Clause 1.2 only applies to a car parking space provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of the dwelling.

2. Clause 1.2 does not apply if the dwelling is not provided with any car parking spaces for the exclusive use of the
occupants of the dwelling. 2

 

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                                              Public Comment Draft
                                             Livable Housing Design


Part 2             Dwelling entrance



2.1                 Clear opening width
1. At least one entrance door to the dwelling must have a minimum clear opening width of at least 820 mm.
2. The minimum clear opening width required by (1) must be measured in accordance with Figure 2.1.
3. If the swing arc of the door does not extend far enough to enable door hardware to be outside of the clear opening
   width when the door is in the fully open position, any door hardware installed on the door leaf must be set at a height
   of not less than 900 mm above finished floor level.


Figure 2.1:            Measurement of clear opening width




                                                   T
                                                 AF
                                              Minimum clearance 820 mm
                                      DR



                                                                            Door thickness, handle
                                                                            and rebate




 Figure Notes:
 1. Double doors, bi-fold doors and other types of swinging door sets may use a smaller leaf provided the overall clear
    opening width with the doors fully open is not less than 820 mm.
 2. Clear opening width for sliding doors must be measured with the door panel installed and in the fully open position.


 Information Door leaf dimensions
 An 850 mm clear opening width, for a single swinging door, can generally be achieved using a 920 mm door leaf.



2.2                 Threshold
The threshold of an entrance door that is subject to Clause 2.1 must—
(a) be level; or
(b) have height not exceeding 5 mm if the lip is rounded or bevelled; or

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21 Clear opening width

1. Atleast one entrance door to the dwelling must have a minimum clear opening width of at least 820 mm.

2. The minimum clear opening width required by (1) must be measured in accordance with Figure 2.1.

3. If the swing arc of the door does not extend far enough to enable door hardware to be outside of the clear opening

 

width when the door is in the fully open position, any door hardware installed on the door leaf must be set at a height
of not less than 900 mm above finished floor level.

 

 

Figure 2.1: Measurement of clear opening width

Minimum clearance)820 mm

 

 

|
—__t
ZZZ) SS

Door thickness, handle
and rebate

Figure Notes:

1. Double doors, bi-fold doors and other types of swinging door sets may use a smaller leaf provided the overall clear
opening width with the doors fully open is not less than 820 mm.

 

 

2. Clear opening width for sliding doors must be measured with the door panel installed and in the fully open position.

Information Door leaf dimensions
An 850 mm clear opening width, for a single swinging door, can generally be achieved using a 920 mm door leaf.

 

2.2 Threshold

The threshold of an entrance door that is subject to Clause 2.1 must—

 

(a) be level: or

(b) have height not exceeding 5 mm if the lip is rounded or bevelled: or

 

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                                                Public Comment Draft                                                 2.2
                                               Livable Housing Design

(c) have a ramped threshold that—
      (i)    does not exceed 56 mm in height; and
      (ii)   has a gradient not exceeding 1:8; and
      (iii) is at least as wide as the minimum clear opening width of the entrance door; and
      (iv) does not intrude into the minimum dimensions of a landing area that is required by Clause 2.3.


 Information Water ingress
 For slab on ground construction, NCC referenced document AS 2870 requires a minimum slab height of 150 mm above
 finished ground level. However, AS 2870 also allows this height to be reduced to 50 mm at door openings if an adjoining
 paved surface slopes away from the building, and further reduced if the door opening is shielded from the weather.
 This reduced height enables a ramped threshold to be used as part of a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution under the NCC.


 Information Termite management
 For termite management, where required by the NCC, the NCC referenced document AS 3660.1 includes solutions for
 termite management in cases where there is no step-up into a dwelling: see clauses 2.2, 2.3, 4.4 and 6.5 of AS 3600.1.
 AS 3660.1 is referenced in the NCC, therefore an appropriate solution for termite management that complies with AS
 3660.1 can be used as part of a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution under the NCC.



2.3                    Landing area
                                                       T
1. An entrance door that is subject to Clause 2.1 must have a space of at least 1200 mm x 1200 mm on the external
   (arrival) side of the door that is—
                                                     AF
   a. unobstructed; and
   b. level, or has a gradient not exceeding 1:40 if a gradient is necessary to allow for drainage.
2. The space required by (1), but excluding any ramped threshold provided under Clause 2.2(c), may overlap with the
   same space serving the entrance door of another dwelling.
                                        DR


 Applications
 Clause 2.3 only applies to a Class 1a building.


 Information Entrance doors to Class 2 sole-occupancy units
 Requirements for landing areas outside the entrance door to a Class 2 sole-occupancy unit located on an accessible
 floor are set out in Section D of NCC Volume One and the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010.




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Livable Housing Design

(c) have a ramped threshold that—
(i) does not exceed 56 mm in height; and
(ii) has a gradient not exceeding 1:8; and
(iii) is atleast as wide as the minimum clear opening width of the entrance door; and
(iv) does not intrude into the minimum dimensions of a landing area that is required by Clause 2.3.

Information Water ingress

For slab on ground construction, NCC referenced document AS 2870 requires a minimum slab height of 150 mm above
finished ground level. However, AS 2870 also allows this height to be reduced to 50 mm at door openings if an adjoining
paved surface slopes away from the building, and further reduced if the door opening is shielded from the weather.
This reduced height enables a ramped threshold to be used as part of a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution under the NCC.

Information Termite management

For termite management, where required by the NCC, the NCC referenced document AS 3660.1 includes solutions for
termite management in cases where there is no step-up into a dwelling: see clauses 2.2, 2.3, 4.4 and 6.5 of AS 3600.1.

AS 3660.1 is referenced in the NCC, therefore an appropriate solution for termite management that complies with AS
3660.1 can be used as part of a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution under the NCC.

2.3 Landing area

An entrance door that is subject to Clause 2.1 must havef@ space of, at least 1200 mm x 1200 mm on the external
(arrival) side of the door that is—

a. unobstructed: and

=

b. level, or has a gradient not exceeding 1:40 if a qradiénikis Necessary to allow for drainage.

2. The space required by (1), but excluding any ramped threshold provided under Clause 2.2(c), may overlap with the
same space serving the entrance door of another dwelling.

Applications te
Clause 2.3 only applies to a Class 1a buii .

Information Entrance doors to Class 2 sole-occupancy units

 

Requirements for landing areas outside the entrance door to a Class 2 sole-occupancy unit located on an accessible
floor are set out in Section D of NCC Volume One and the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010.

 

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                                                Public Comment Draft
                                               Livable Housing Design


Part 3             Internal doors and corridors



3.1                 Clear opening width
Internal doors within the ground or entry level of the dwelling must provide a minimum clear opening width of 820 mm,
measured in accordance with Figure 2.1.


 Applications
 Clause 3.1 only applies to a doorway that connects to, or is in the path of travel to, any—
 (a) habitable room; or
 (b) attached Class 10a garage or carport that forms part of an access path required by Clause 1.1; or
 (c) toilet complying with Parts 4 and 6; or
 (d) bathroom complying with Parts 5 and 6.



3.2                 Threshold
The threshold of an internal door that is subject to Clause 3.1 must—
(a) be level; or
                                                   T
(b) have a height not exceeding 5 mm if the lip is rounded or bevelled.
                                                 AF

3.3                 Corridor width
Internal corridors, hallways, passageways or the like, if connected to a door that is subject to Clause 3.1, must have a
minimum clear width of 1000 mm, measured between the finished surfaces of opposing walls.
                                      DR


 Information
 Skirting boards and the like may be disregarded for the purposes of compliance with Clause 3.3.




                                                                                                                Page 11


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Public Comment Draft
Livable Housing Design

 

31 Clear opening width

Internal doors within the ground or entry level of the dwelling must provide a minimum clear opening width of 820 mm,
measured in accordance with Figure 2.1.

Applications
Clause 3.1 only applies to a doorway that connects to, or is in the path of travel to, any—
(a) habitable room; or

 

(b) attached Class 10a garage or carport that forms part of an access path required by Clause 1.1; or
(c) toilet complying with Parts 4 and 6; or
(d) bathroom complying with Parts 5 and 6.

3.2 Threshold

The threshold of an internal door that is subject to Clause 3.1 musi#—
(a) be level; or

(b) have a height not exceeding 5 mm if the lip is rounded or bevelled.

3.3 Corridor width

Internal corridors, hallways, passageways or the likemif connected to a door that is subject to Clause 3.1, must have a
minimum clear width of 1000 mm, measured between the finished surfaces of opposing walls.

Information te
Skirting boards and the like may be disre: led forthe purposes of compliance with Clause 3.3.

 

Page 11

Page 12

                                                 Public Comment Draft
                                                Livable Housing Design


Part 4               Toilet



4.1                    Location
There must be at least one sanitary compartment within the ground or entry level of a dwelling.


 Information
 The term sanitary compartment refers to a room or space containing a toilet. It applies equally to any type of room or
 space containing a toilet, such as a bathroom, ensuite, powder room or other separate room. It is used in place of the
 word ‘toilet’ for consistency with the wording of the NCC and to avoid confusion with the use of the word ‘toilet’ to refer
 to a plumbing fixture rather than the room in which that fixture is located.



4.2                    Circulation space
A sanitary compartment that is subject to Clause 4.1 must be constructed in accordance with the following:
(a) For a toilet located in a separate sanitary compartment, there must be a clear width of not less than 900 mm between
    the finished surfaces of opposing walls either side of the pan.
(b) For a toilet located in a sanitary compartment that is combined with a bathroom, the pan must be located in a corner
    such that—
                                                       T
      (i)    the wall adjacent to the pan incorporates the reinforcing required by Clause 6.1; and
      (ii)   the centre-line of the pan is between 450 mm and 460 mm from the finished surface of the wall referred to in (i).
                                                     AF
(c) If a door used to access the sanitary compartment swings inward, a minimum circulation space of 1200 mm must be
    provided from the front edge of the pan to the swing arc of the door to the sanitary compartment.
(d) Compliance with (a), (b) and (c) must be determined in accordance with Figures 4.2a and 4.2b.
                                         DR


Figure 4.2a:              Circulation space for a toilet located in a separate room


                                     900 mm min.                                     900 mm min.
                                          C
                                          L                                               C
                                                                                          L



                      WC pan                                          WC pan

                Reinforcement                                   Reinforcement




                                                      1200 mm                                         1200 mm




                      Door swing
                                                                       Door swing



                                        820 mm                                          820 mm
                                     clear opening                                   clear opening




                                                                                                                      Page 12


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Public Comment Draft
Livable Housing Design

 

41 Location

There must be at least one sanitary compartment within the ground or entry level of a dwelling.

Information

The term sanitary compartment refers to a room or space containing a toilet. It applies equally to any type of room or
space containing a toilet, such as a bathroom, ensuite, powder room or other separate room. It is used in place of the
word ‘toilet’ for consistency with the wording of the NCC and to avoid confusion with the use of the word ‘toilet’ to refer
to a plumbing fixture rather than the room in which that fixture is located.

4.2 Circulation space
A sanitary compartment that is subject to Clause 4.1 must be constructed in accordance with the following:

(a) Eora toilet located in a separate sanitary compartment, there must be a clear width of not less than 900 mm between
the finished surfaces of opposing walls either side of the pan.

(b) Fora toilet located in a sanitary compartment that is combined with a bathroom, the pan must be located in a corner
such that—

(i) the wall adjacent to the pan incorporates the reinforging required by Clause 6.1; and
(ii) the centre-line of the pan is between 450 mm and 460 mm from the finished surface of the wall referred to in (i).

(c) Ifadoor used to access the sanitary compartment swings inWard, a minimum circulation space of 1200 mm must be
provided from the front edge of the pan to the swinglarc ofthe door to the sanitary compartment.

(d) Compliance with (a), (b) and (c) must be determined inaccordance with Figures 4.2a and 4.2b.

Figure 4.2a: Circulation space for a toilétJlocated in a separate room

900 mm min. 900 mm min.
¢ ¢
WC pan —+ WC pan —4 HO)
Reinforcement —> Reinforcement —>

1200 mm 1200 mm

Door swing
Door swing}

820 mm 820 mm

clear opening clear opening

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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                                              Public Comment Draft                                               4.2
                                             Livable Housing Design


Figure 4.2b:             Circulation space for a toilet located in a bathroom




                                                                                        Reinforcement

                            Vanity                   Shower




               820 mm
               clear                                                                   900 mm min.
               opening


                                                   T1200 mm
                                                                                  Reinforcement
                                                 AF

 Information
                                      DR


 1. NCC Volumes One and Two also contain provisions applicable to the location and construction of sanitary
    compartments.
 2. NCC Volume Three contains provisions applicable to plumbing and drainage installations in sanitary compartments.
 3. Skirting boards and the like may be disregarded when determining compliance with Clause 4.2.




                                                                                                             Page 13


[OCR of page images]
Public Comment Draft 4.2
Livable Housing Design

 

Figure 4.2b: Circulation space for a toilet located in a bathroom

 

 

Reinforcement

Vanity Shower J
—_____“——___ y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

820 mm
clear :
opening C ) 900 mm min.
bp
1200 mm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinforcement

Information

1. NCC Volumes One and Two also contain prowisions applicable to the location and construction of sanitary
compartments.

2. NCC Volume Three contains provisions applicable to plumbing and drainage installations in sanitary compartments.

 

 

3. Skirting boards and the like may be disregarded when determining compliance with Clause 4.2.

 

 

Page 13

Page 14

                                               Public Comment Draft
                                              Livable Housing Design


Part 5            Shower



5.1                  Application
At least one shower within the dwelling must comply with each of the applicable clauses in this Part.


 Information
 The intent of Clause 5.1 is to ensure that the same shower has all of the required features, rather than, for example,
 one shower in the dwelling having a hobless entry and a different shower having the required circulation space.
 “At least one shower” means that in a dwelling with two or more showers, only one of the showers needs to comply
 with the requirements of this Part.



5.2                  Hobless and step-free entry
1. At least one shower must have a hobless and step-fee entry.
2. A lip not exceeding 5 mm in height may be provided for water retention purposes if it is constructed in accordance
   with the specification given in Clause 3.13.4 and Figure 3.6 of AS 3740.
                                                     T
 Information Hobless and step-free
 Clause 5.2(1) refers to a shower entry being ‘hobless’ and ‘step-free; because those two terms have different meanings.
                                                   AF
 A shower where the floor within the shower compartment is level with the floor adjacent to its entry would be ‘step-free’
 but could still have a hob. Conversely, a shower with a step-down into the shower recess does not have a ‘hob’ (i.e.
 ‘hobless’), but would not be ‘step-free’. Therefore, to achieve the intent of Clause 5.2(1), it is necessary to specify that
 the shower is both ‘hobless’ and ‘step-free’.
                                       DR


 Information Waterproofing
 AS 3740 includes specific requirements for waterproofing a hobless, step-free shower area. AS 3740 is referenced in
 the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for general waterproofing of wet areas.



5.3                  Shower screen
1. The shower screen door (if provided) must be capable of removal without causing damage to adjoining parts of the
   shower enclosure.
2. For the purposes of AS 3740, the bathroom floor must be graded as if the shower were an unenclosed shower.


 Information Floor grading
 AS 3740 includes specific requirements for grading of floors in and around an unenclosed shower.




                                                                                                                      Page 14


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Public Comment Draft
Livable Housing Design

 

 

51 Application

At least one shower within the dwelling must comply with each of the applicable clauses in this Part.

Information

The intent of Clause 5.1 is to ensure that the same shower has all of the required features, rather than, for example,
one shower in the dwelling having a hobless entry and a different shower having the required circulation space.

“At least one shower” means that in a dwelling with two or more showers, only one of the showers needs to comply
with the requirements of this Part.

2 Hobless and step-free entry
1. Atleast one shower must have a hobless and step-fee entry.

2. Alip not exceeding 5 mm in height may be provided for water retention purposes if it is constructed in accordance
with the specification given in Clause 3.13.4 and Figure 3.6 of AS 3740.

oN

-frée: because those two terms have different meanings.

Information Hobless and step-free

Clause 5.2(1) refers to a shower entry being ‘hobless’ and ‘
A shower where the floor within the shower compartment is with the floor adjacent to its entry would be ‘step-free’
but could still have a hob. Conversely, a shower with 4 into the shower recess does not have a ‘hob’ (i.e.
‘hobless’), but would not be ‘step-free’. Therefore, to a hicv ptherintent of Clause 5.2(1), it is necessary to specify that
the shower is both ‘hobless’ and ‘step-free’.

   
  
 

Information Waterproofing ~
AS 3740 includes specific requirements forwa' g_a hobless, step-free shower area. AS 3740 is referenced in
the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions fotgeneral)waterproofing of wet areas.

on

3 Shower screen

The shower screen door (if provided) must be capable of removal without causing damage to adjoining parts of the
shower enclosure.

=

2. For the purposes of AS 3740, the bathroom floor must be graded as if the shower were an unenclosed shower.

Information Floor grading
AS 3740 includes specific requirements for grading of floors in and around an unenclosed shower.

 

Page 14

Page 15

                                                    Public Comment Draft
                                                   Livable Housing Design


Part 6                 Reinforcement of bathroom and toilet walls



6.1                      Location
1. Reinforcing in accordance with Clause 6.2 must be provided to any—
      a. sanitary compartment that is subject to Part 4; and
      b. bathroom containing a—
           i.    shower that is subject to Part 5; or
           ii.   bath (if provided), other than a freestanding bath.
2. The requirements of (1) need not be complied with if the walls of the room are constructed of concrete, masonry or
   another material capable of supporting grabrails without additional reinforcement.


 Information Intent of Part 6
 The intent of this Part is to ensure that walls adjacent to toilets, showers and baths provide a fixing surface able to
 support the future installation of grabrails, if needed. This Part does not require the installation of grabrails at the time
 of construction.
 A freestanding bath is excluded from Clause 6.1(1)(b)(ii) because it does not have any adjoining walls to which grabrails
 could be fixed.
                                                          T
 A bath with only one adjoining wall need only have reinforcing provided in the adjoining wall (unless exempted by Clause
 6.1(2)).
                                                        AF

6.2                      Construction
1. Reinforcing constructed in accordance with the requirements of (3) must be provided in the locations depicted in—
                                           DR


      a. Figures 6.2a or 6.2b for walls surrounding a bath; and
      b. Figures 6.2c or 6.2d for shower walls; and
      c.   Figures 6.2e or 6.2f for a wall adjacent to a toilet.
2. Reinforcing need only be provided across the available width of the wall where a wall referred to (1)(a), (b) or (c)—
      a. is narrower than the width of the area required to be provided with reinforcing; or
      b. terminates at window sill lower than the height or the area required to be provided with reinforcing.
3. Reinforcing required by (1) must be constructed using one of the following materials:
      a. 12 mm thick structural grade plywood.
      b. Timber noggings with a minimum thickness of 25 mm.




                                                                                                                       Page 15


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Public Comment Draft
Livable Housing Design

 

6.1 Location

=

Reinforcing in accordance with Clause 6.2 must be provided to any—

a. sanitary compartment that is subject to Part 4: and

b. bathroom containing a—
i. shower that is subject to Part 5; or
ii. bath (if provided), other than a freestanding bath.

2. The requirements of (1) need not be complied with if the walls of the room are constructed of concrete, masonry or
another material capable of supporting grabrails without additional reinforcement.

Information Intent of Part 6

The intent of this Part is to ensure that walls adjacent to toilets, showers and baths provide a fixing surface able to
support the future installation of grabrails, if needed. This Part does not require the installation of grabrails at the time
of construction.

A freestanding bath is excluded from Clause 6.1(1)(b)(ii) because i
could be fixed.

loes not have any adjoining walls to which grabrails

 
    

 

A bath with only one adjoining wall need only have reinforcing provided e adjoining wall (unless exempted by Clause
6.1(2)). 2
6.2 Construction

1. Reinforcing constructed in accordance with the requirements of (3) must be provided in the locations depicted in—
a. Figures 6.2a or 6.2b for walls surroundingta bath; and
b. Figures 6.2c or 6.2d for shower wallsgand
c. Figures 6.2e or 6.2f for a wall adjacent to a toilet.

2. Reinforcing need only be provided across thesavailable width of the wall where a wall referred to (1)(a), (b) or (c)—
a. is narrower than the width of the area required to be provided with reinforcing: or
b. terminates at window sill lower than the height or the area required to be provided with reinforcing.

3. Reinforcing required by (1) must be constructed using one of the following materials:

a. 12mm thick structural grade plywood.
b. Timber noggings with a minimum thickness of 25 mm.

 

Page 15

Page 16

                                               Public Comment Draft                                        6.2
                                              Livable Housing Design


Figure 6.2a:          Location of noggings for walls surrounding a bath
                                CL
                                     side of bath

                     150 mm



                                                                         Centre line of bath
                 Nogging                                                          CL
                                        1600 mm
                                                           Nogging        300 mm 300 mm

                                                      CL                                       150 mm
                                                            175 mm
                                                     Top of
                                                     bath
                                        600 mm




                  Section                                                      Section
                                                      T
Figure 6.2b:          Location of sheeting for walls surrounding a bath
                                                    AF
                               CL

                                       225 mm min.
               Width of bath
                                                                      Centre line of bath
                                       DR


                                                                               CL
                                                                     450 mm       450 mm



                                             900 mm

                                                                                               600 mm

                                              Top of bath




          To internal corner                                    Side of bath




                                                                                                        Page 16


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Public Comment Draft
Livable Housing Design

6.2

 

Figure 6.2a: Location of noggings for walls surrounding a bath

 

 

side of bath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A
Centre line of bath
1600 mm
i 300 mm|300 mm
Nogging ™ — >i >
¢ _— _ a 50 mm
175 mm
Top of
bath
600 mm
Section Section
Figure 6.2b: Location of sheeting for walls surrounding a bath
¢
,- 225 mm min.
Width of bath |
a Centre line of bath
450 mm t 450 mm
——_ —_ > <——____ |
900 mm
600 mm
_¥ Top of bath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To internal corner

Side of bath

 

Page 16

Page 17

                                                         Public Comment Draft                                                      6.2
                                                        Livable Housing Design


Figure 6.2c:                     Location of noggings for shower walls
                                                 CL

                                 Shower rose
                                                                                   Shower rose



                                                         Nogging

                                                                          250 mm
          Reinforcement                   300 mm 300 mm                                           Reinforcement
                                                                              600 mm
           150 mm                                                                                 150 mm
                CL                                                                                    CL
                 800 to 810 mm




                                                                                                      800 to 810 mm
                                               600 mm

                                                                         Nogging
                                                         Nogging



                                        Right Far Wall                             Side wall
                                                             T
Figure 6.2d:                     Location of sheeting for shower walls
                                                           AF
               Shower rose
                                                                                        Shower rose
                                               DR



          1850 mm                                                                                                     1850 mm




                                               900 mm                              900 mm
          600 mm                                                                                                      600 mm




                                                                                                                                Page 17


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Public Comment Draft
Livable Housing Design

Figure 6.2c: Location of noggings for shower walls

€
Shower rose
Don Shower rose
|

Reinforcement

250 mm
Reinforcement 300 mm|300 mm [_ 600 mm
150 mun Ne > « e< 00mm e150 mm
— = ——— i -4 &
Soom

Nogging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nogging

800 to 810 mm
800 to 810 mm

 

 

 

Right Far Wall Side wall

Figure 6.2d: Location of sheeting for shower walls

Shower rose
oN‘ Shower rose
L Sh

 

1850 mm 1850 mm

 

 

 

900 mm 900 mm
600 mm 600 mm

 

 

 

 

6.2

 

Page 17

Page 18

                                                            Public Comment Draft                                         6.2
                                                           Livable Housing Design


Figure 6.2e:                Location of noggings for wall adjacent to a toilet

                                                                       Front of WC
                                                 600 mm                  600 mm                             Nogging


          150 mm                                30

                                                                                                      150 mm
                                                  0
                                                     m
                                                      m


                                                             300 mm
                        930 to 940 mm




                                                                                                800 to 810 mm
                                                                 150 mm




                                                               T
Figure 6.2f:                Location of sheeting for wall adjacent to a toilet
                                                             AF

                                        Structural sheet              Front of pan
                                        to each wall
          1500 mm
                                                     DR



                                                                                                      1000 mm




               600 mm                                                                                 600 mm




                                                      1000 mm



 Information
 Sheeting for the full height of a wall depicted in Figures 6.2a to 6.2f would also be acceptable for compliance with


                                                                                                                      Page 18


[OCR of page images]
Public Comment Draft 6.2

Livable Housing Design

Location of noggings for wall adjacent to a toilet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 6.2e:
Front of WC
600 mm lg 600 mm _7—— Nogging
150 mm t
&b ~~ 150 mm
®
oO oO
S 150 mm 5
© So
5 &
3 °
3 3
3
Figure 6.2f: Location of sheeting for wall adjacento a toilet
Structural sheet Front of pan
to each wall —
1500 mm
A
y
1000 mm
600 mm ¥ 600 mm
A
Y
| 1000 mm
Information

Sheeting for the full height of a wall depicted in Figures 6.2a to 6.2f would also be acceptable for compliance with

 

Page 18

Page 19

Public Comment Draft 6.2
Livable Housing Design

 

Clause 6.2(1) or (2).

 

Page 19

Page 20

© Australian Building Codes Board 2022
The National Construction Code can be accessed
free online at ncc.abcb.gov.au by registration


abcb.gov.au


[OCR of page images]
\

\N

© Australian Building Codes Board 2022
The National Construction Code can be accessed

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