NOTE: In 2011, the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA) came together as a single code – the National Construction Code (NCC).
In Australia, the National Construction Code (NCC) sets the minimum technical standards for building design and construction, ensuring that buildings are safe, healthy and sustainable.
An integral aspect of the NCC is its classification system, which categorises buildings based on their intended use.
This guide explores each classification type to help you understand where your building or project might fit and what requirements may apply.
Understanding NCC Building Classifications
Building classifications are essential for ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed to suit their purpose.
The NCC categorises buildings from Class 1 to Class 10, with subclasses denoting specific variations.
Knowing a building’s classification helps ensure compliance with relevant safety, structural and environmental standards.
Class 1 Buildings – Residential Houses
Class 1 buildings refer to houses and small residential dwellings.
They are usually single-family homes, either standalone or attached in a configuration like a duplex, terrace house or townhouse.
- Class 1a: A single dwelling that may be detached or part of a group of attached dwellings, like townhouses.
- Class 1b: Small boarding houses, guest houses, or hostels with a floor area under 300 m², accommodating fewer than 12 people. This subclass also includes short-term holiday accommodations with four or more units on a single property.
Class 2 Buildings – Apartment Buildings
Class 2 buildings are multi-unit residential buildings, typically where occupants live above and below each other, such as apartment buildings.
Each apartment is considered a sole-occupancy unit (SOU), meaning it is a private space exclusively for its occupants.
Class 3 Buildings – Larger Accommodation Facilities
Class 3 buildings accommodate unrelated individuals on a long-term or transient basis. This classification includes:
- Larger boarding houses or guest houses (that exceed Class 1b limits)
- Hostels, dormitory-style housing, and other shared accommodations, such as those for seasonal workers
- Care-type facilities (excluding Class 9 buildings) for children, the elderly or people with disabilities
Class 4 Part of a Building – Sole Dwelling in a Non-Residential Building
Class 4 refers to a sole residential dwelling within a building that primarily serves a non-residential purpose, like a caretaker’s apartment in a storage facility.
Only one Class 4 part is allowed per building, and it cannot be located within Class 1, 2, or 3 buildings.
Class 5 Buildings – Office Buildings
Class 5 buildings are office spaces used for professional or commercial purposes, such as law firms, accounting offices, government agencies and architect firms.
These spaces do not typically accommodate public assembly or large gatherings.
Class 6 Buildings – Retail and Service Businesses
Class 6 buildings include retail spaces and locations where goods and services are sold directly to the public. This classification covers:
- Shops, restaurants and cafes
- Hair salons, barbers and public laundries
- Marketplaces, showrooms and funeral parlours
Class 7 Buildings – Storage and Display Facilities
Class 7 buildings are primarily for storage or display purposes, divided into two subclasses:
- Class 7a: Carparks
- Class 7b: Warehouses, storage buildings and wholesale display facilities
Class 8 Buildings – Factories and Industrial Facilities
Class 8 buildings encompass factories and other industrial buildings where manufacturing or processing takes place.
Examples include workshops, mechanic garages, food processing plants and production facilities.
Class 9 Buildings – Public and Community Facilities
Class 9 buildings serve public purposes and are divided into three subclasses:
- Class 9a: Healthcare facilities like hospitals and day surgeries where patients may require medical supervision.
- Class 9b: Assembly buildings, such as schools, universities, childcare centres, theatres, and sporting facilities.
- Class 9c: Residential care buildings where a significant portion of residents (over 10%) require physical assistance for daily activities and evacuation, such as aged care facilities.
Class 10 Buildings – Non-Habitable Buildings and Structures
Class 10 buildings are non-habitable structures, divided into three subclasses:
- Class 10a: Sheds, carports and private garages.
- Class 10b: Structures like fences, masts, antennas, retaining walls and swimming pools.
- Class 10c: Private bushfire shelters, which are structures designed for personal safety in the event of a bushfire.
Mixed-Use and Multiple Classifications
In cases where a building serves multiple purposes, it may have mixed classifications, such as a Class 5/6/7 building.
For instance, a mixed-use building could have a Class 7a carpark, Class 6 retail spaces on the ground floor, and Class 2 residential apartments above.
Each section of the building is classified according to its use, and in some cases, small areas within a primary-use building can adopt the main classification if they occupy less than 10% of the floor space.
Key Considerations for Compliance
When planning or modifying a building, knowing its classification is essential. Each classification comes with specific requirements for safety, accessibility and construction standards.
Here are a few tips to ensure compliance:
- Consult the NCC: Familiarise yourself with the NCC requirements for your building’s classification. This includes reviewing Volumes One and Two for Classes 1-9, with additional considerations in Volume Three for plumbing and drainage across all classes.
- Engage with Professionals: Work with qualified architects, town planners and engineers to ensure your building meets NCC standards for its classification.
- Check State and Territory Variations: While the NCC provides a national standard, some states and territories may have additional requirements or variations. Be sure to confirm any local requirements.
- Understand the Purpose of Each Space: For buildings with mixed uses or those being repurposed, clearly define the intended function of each area. This clarity will help in determining the appropriate classifications and ensure compliance.
- Apply for Necessary Approvals: Different building classifications often require specific approvals or permits, particularly if a change of use is involved. Confirming the building’s classification early on can streamline the approval process.
Understanding building classifications under the NCC is fundamental for anyone involved in property development or building design.
When proceeding forward in a commercial change of use application, it’s important to understand that changing a premises’ use could also change its class.
Each classification reflects the unique requirements needed to create safe, functional and compliant spaces.
For help determining the classification of your project or ensuring compliance with NCC standards, consider consulting experts like ApproveAll Town Planning, who can guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us at projects@approveall.com.au or give us a call on (02) 8000 9150
