Sanitary Facilities
Minimum NCC-compliant sanitary facilities by building class and occupancy. Results show male and female columns separately with ambulant toilet notes.
NCC 2022 Vol. 1 · Part F2 · Table F2D3 · F2D6Stair Geometry
Check whether a proposed riser / going combination satisfies NCC 2022 DTS requirements. Maximum riser is 190 mm for all stair types under NCC 2022.
NCC 2022 Vol. 1 · D3D12 · AS 1657:2018| Stair type | Riser (R) | Going (G) | Formula | Min. headroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main stair (Class 2–9) | 115–190 mm | 250–355 mm | 2R+G = 550–700 mm | 2000 mm |
| Private stair (Class 1 / sole occ.) | 115–190 mm | 240–355 mm | 2R+G = 550–700 mm | 2000 mm |
| External stair | 115–190 mm | 250–355 mm | 2R+G = 550–700 mm | 2000 mm |
Occupancy Load
Estimate design occupancy using NCC Table D1D5 space allocation factors. The result feeds into sanitary facility, egress width, and exit number calculations.
NCC 2022 Vol. 1 · D1D5 · Table D1D5BCA Sections
Summary of each Volume One Section of the NCC — what it covers and when it applies.
NCC 2022 Volume One — Sections A through JSection A establishes the administrative framework for the entire NCC. It defines how the Code is applied, interpreted, and enforced, and sets out all compliance pathways.
| Part | Subject | Key content |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Interpreting the NCC | Definitions, abbreviations, referenced documents, how to read the Code |
| A2 | Compliance pathways | DTS (Deemed-to-Satisfy) vs Performance Solution — both are valid. Performance Solutions require documented evidence. |
| A3 | Application of NCC | When the NCC applies: new buildings, alterations, change of use, additions. Existing buildings only triggered by building work. |
| A4 | Referenced documents | Australian Standards and other legislation referenced by the NCC as part of compliance |
| A5 | Documentation | What documentation is required to demonstrate compliance via Performance Solution |
| A6 | Building classification | Classes 1–10 defined; mixed-use buildings; reclassification triggers; Class 10 sub-classifications |
Section B requires buildings to withstand structural actions throughout their design life without collapse, excessive deformation, or damage. References the structural engineering standards suite.
| Part | Subject | Key standards |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Structural provisions | Applies to all building classes. Dead, live, wind, snow, earthquake, and dynamic loads. References AS/NZS 1170 series, AS 3600, AS 4100, AS 1720.1, AS 2870 |
Section C governs passive fire resistance — how long structural elements, walls, and floors resist fire. Determines Type of Construction (A, B, or C) and sets compartmentation and fire separation requirements.
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| C1 | Type of construction — determined by Class and effective height. Type A (highest) for tall buildings; Type C for low-rise |
| C2 | Compartmentation and separation — fire-rated walls, floors, and openings limit fire spread between building parts |
| C3 | Protection of openings — fire doors, dampers, penetration seals in fire-rated elements |
| C4 | Specific requirements for Class 2–9 — FRL requirements by element, Class, and construction type |
Section D governs movement into, through, and out of buildings under normal conditions and in emergencies. Covers exits, travel distances, stair geometry, and accessible design.
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| D1 | Provision of exits — number, travel distances, occupant numbers, exit widths. Use Occupancy Load calculator for D1D5 |
| D2 | Construction of exits — fire-isolated stairways, doorways, corridors |
| D3 | Stair and ramp construction — riser/going, handrails, landings, balustrades, headroom. Use Stair Geometry calculator |
| D4 | Accessible design — which buildings and areas require accessible paths of travel, features, and facilities. References AS 1428.1:2021. See Accessibility panel |
Section E addresses active fire protection — equipment and services that detect, contain, and suppress fire, and warn/assist occupants. See the Fire Protection panel for full trigger conditions by system type.
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| E1 | Fire fighting services — hydrant systems, hose reels, portable extinguishers, fire control rooms |
| E2 | Smoke hazard management — detection, mechanical smoke exhaust, pressurisation systems |
| E3 | Lift emergency operation — fire service lift requirements for tall buildings (>25 m) |
| E4 | Emergency lighting and exit signs — minimum lux levels, duration, location |
| E5 | Sprinkler systems — when required, types, design to AS 2118 series |
| E6 | Fire detection and early warning — smoke alarms, detectors, interconnected systems (AS 1670.1) |
Section F covers built environment conditions affecting occupant health and comfort — sanitary facilities, natural light, ventilation, sound insulation, and room sizes.
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| F1 | Damp and weatherproofing — subfloor, walls, roof, wet areas, drainage |
| F2 | Sanitary and other facilities — toilets, basins, showers, drinking water. Use the Sanitary Facilities calculator |
| F3 | Room sizes and heights — minimum floor areas and ceiling heights by use and Class |
| F4 | Light and ventilation — natural requirements; artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation as alternatives |
| F5 | Sound transmission and insulation — separating walls and floors between dwellings (Class 2, 3). STC and Rw+Ctr ratings required |
| F6 | Swimming pools — fencing and safety requirements |
| F7 | Facilities in Class 2 and 3 — laundry, storage, and kitchen requirements for residential occupancies |
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| G1 | Minor structures and components |
| G2 | Boilers, pressure vessels, heating appliances — fixed heating installation requirements |
| G3 | Atrium construction — fire safety for multi-storey atriums; smoke management and egress |
| G4 | Alpine areas — additional structural requirements for snow loads; designated alpine areas in Victoria |
| G5 | Bushfire areas — when BAL ratings apply and construction requirements by BAL level. See BAL Ratings panel |
Section H contains provisions for specific building types — primarily residential — requiring additional or modified requirements beyond other sections.
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| H1 | Class 1 buildings — single dwellings; condensed provisions from D, F, J and other sections |
| H2 | Class 2 buildings — apartment-specific provisions: sound, accessibility, laundry, energy |
| H3 | Class 3 buildings — residential care, hostels; additional amenity requirements |
| H4 | Class 4 parts — caretaker's dwellings within non-residential buildings |
| H6 | Energy efficiency for Class 1 and 10 — NatHERS pathway (7-star min.) or DTS elemental provisions |
| H7 | Energy efficiency for Class 2 — apartment-specific energy requirements |
| H8 | Liveable housing design — new NCC 2022; silver-level accessible features mandatory for Class 1a and 2 |
Section I requires that buildings are designed and constructed so that NCC-required features remain effective and can be maintained throughout the building's life. In practice, access must be provided to fire safety services, structural elements, and other regulated systems for inspection and maintenance.
For complex buildings, a maintenance schedule or Building Management Statement may be required as a condition of the building permit.
Section J sets energy efficiency requirements for non-residential buildings and common areas of Class 2 and 3. See the Part J — Energy panel for detail by building class.
| Part | Subject |
|---|---|
| J2 | Building fabric — glazing, roof, wall, and floor insulation R-values and U-values |
| J3 | Building sealing — controlled ventilation openings, draught sealing requirements |
| J4 | HVAC — system efficiency (COPs, SEER), zoning, controls, variable speed drives |
| J5 | Artificial lighting and power — lighting power density (LPD) limits, occupancy sensors, daylight linking |
| J6 | Hot water systems — efficiency ratings, solar, heat pump provisions |
| J7 | Facilities for energy monitoring — metering and sub-metering in larger buildings |
| J8 | Onsite energy generation (new NCC 2022) — solar PV and battery storage provisions |
Fire Protection
When Type of Construction, FRL, and active fire systems are triggered under NCC 2022 Volume One.
NCC 2022 · Sections C & E · AS 2118 · AS 1670.1| Type | Effective height | Classes | FRL / key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Over 25 m | Class 2–9 | Highest standard. All loadbearing elements require FRL. Structural elements typically 120/120/120. Non-loadbearing separating elements typically –/60/60 to –/120/60. Sprinklers generally required. |
| Type B | Over 3 m to 25 m | Class 2–9 | Intermediate. Loadbearing and separating elements require FRL. Loadbearing typically 90/90/90. Separating walls generally –/60/30 to –/90/60 depending on element and Class. |
| Type C | 3 m or less | Class 2–9 | Lowest standard. Most elements: no FRL required. Exception: separating walls and floors between SOUs in Class 2/3 still require –/60/60. Fire separation between different Classes still applies. |
| Group | Material characteristic | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Non-combustible throughout | Required for wall and ceiling linings in Type A and B construction, and in Class 9a and 9b buildings |
| Group 2 | Low flammability | Acceptable in Type B and C construction as an alternative to Group 1 for certain finishes |
| Group 3 | Low smoke and low flammability | Used in some Class 9a and 9b contexts for wall and ceiling linings where Group 1 is not achievable |
Group ratings assessed under Specification C1.10 and referenced test standards. Verify with a fire engineer or materials supplier for specific products.
Fire hydrant systems provide water supply for fire brigade use. Required when:
- Any Class 2–9 building with total floor area exceeding 500 m² (E1D4)
- Any building over 25 m effective height (Type A construction)
- Class 7b or 8 buildings over 18 m or floor area >2000 m²
- Where the building cannot be served adequately by water mains — a static water supply or tank may substitute
Hydrant boosters must be installed where mains pressure is insufficient to reach the topmost storey. The system is designed to AS 2419.1:2021. Engage a hydraulic engineer early for any triggered building.
Hose reels provide first-attack fire fighting capability for occupants. Required when:
- A hydrant system is required — hose reels are generally co-located
- Class 5–9 buildings over 500 m² floor area
- Coverage radius 36 m — every part of each floor must be reachable
- Not required in Class 2 sole-occupancy units — only in common areas and non-residential buildings
Hose reels must be accessible, visible, and signed. Designed to AS 2441.
Sprinkler systems are required more broadly than commonly assumed. Key NCC 2022 triggers:
- Class 2 and 3: Effective height exceeding 25 m, or any SOU at effective height over 25 m
- Class 9a (health care): Required throughout, regardless of height or area (E5D2)
- Class 9c (aged care): Required throughout
- Class 5–8: Over 25 m effective height; or floor area >2000 m² (Class 7 and 8 specific triggers)
- Class 9b: Theatres with more than 1000 persons; or over 12 m effective height in some sub-types
- Trade-offs: Sprinklers may reduce required FRL, extend travel distances, and allow reduction in exit numbers — assess trade-offs early in design development
Fire detection and warning systems range from single smoke alarms to fully monitored addressable systems. NCC 2022 requirements:
- Class 1a: Smoke alarm in every bedroom, hallway adjacent to bedrooms, and each storey (H1D6). Interconnection required. 10-year lithium battery or hardwired with battery backup
- Class 2: Smoke alarm in each SOU (as Class 1a provisions). Common areas: E6 system required in Type A and B buildings
- Class 3, 5–9: Full fire detection system (AS 1670.1) required in Type A and B construction. Required throughout all Class 9a and 9c regardless of height
- Class 9b: Required where effective height exceeds 12 m or occupant number exceeds 1000
- Monitoring: Systems in Class 9a, 9c, and buildings over 25 m must be monitored by a monitoring station
Smoke hazard management (SHM) controls smoke movement to protect occupants during evacuation. Required when:
- Buildings over 25 m effective height (Type A) — pressurisation of fire-isolated stairways and lift shafts
- Class 9a, 9b, and 9c: specific SHM requirements in some cases regardless of height
- Atrium buildings: specific SHM requirements under G3
- Class 7a (car parks): mechanical ventilation designed to manage smoke; often combined with normal ventilation
Emergency lighting and exit signs are required in all Class 2–9 buildings and in Class 1b buildings. Key requirements:
- Emergency lighting: minimum 0.2 lux average along escape routes; 90-minute battery backup
- Exit signs: illuminated, directional, at every exit door and at changes of direction in escape routes
- Class 1a: emergency lighting not required unless specified in planning permit. Smoke alarms serve as the warning system
- All systems designed and tested to AS 2293.1:2018
BAL Ratings
Summary of design and construction requirements for each Bushfire Attack Level. Select a BAL to view key requirements and limitations.
NCC 2022 · G5 · Spec. G5.2 · AS 3959:2018Part J — Energy Efficiency
NCC 2022 Part J requirements by building class. Select a class to view applicable energy provisions and key design implications.
NCC 2022 · Section J · Section H6–H7 · NatHERSAccessibility
Broad accessibility requirements by building class — paths of travel, stairs and ramps, and sanitary facilities. Select a class to view applicable provisions.
NCC 2022 · D4 · AS 1428.1:2021 · Premises Standards 2010Building Classification
Select a building use to find the correct NCC classification, what it covers, and key compliance triggers. Mixed-use buildings must be classified separately for each part.
NCC 2022 · A6 · Building Regulations 2018 (Vic)Ramp Checker
Check whether a proposed ramp satisfies NCC 2022 DTS requirements for gradient, rise, landing dimensions, and handrail requirements. Covers both general ramps (D3) and accessible ramps (AS 1428.1:2021).
NCC 2022 · D3D13 · D4 · AS 1428.1:2021| Type | Max gradient | Min. clear width | Max flight rise | Min. landing (L × W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessible ramp (AS 1428.1) | 1:14 (preferred) 1:8 permitted for short ramps ≤1500 mm rise where 1:14 not achievable | 1000 mm | 1500 mm (at 1:14) 500 mm at 1:8 | 1540 × 1540 mm (turning) 1000 × 1540 mm (passing) |
| General ramp D3 (non-accessible) | 1:8 | 1000 mm | No NCC limit, but landings required at ≤15 m intervals | Min. equal to ramp width × 1200 mm |
| Car park ramp (vehicle) | 1:5 (straight) 1:8 within 6 m of pedestrian path | 3000 mm (one-way) 6000 mm (two-way) | N/A | Transition grades apply near boundary and pedestrian crossings |
Accessible Parking
Calculate the minimum number of accessible car parking spaces required by NCC 2022 and AS 2890.6:2009, and check bay dimension compliance.
NCC 2022 · D4D5 · AS 2890.6:2009 · AS 1428.1:2021| Element | Minimum dimension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bay width | 2400 mm | Min. 2400 mm clear bay width. Where shared zone is on one side only, 3200 mm total (2400 bay + 800 shared zone) or two bays sharing a 2400 mm zone |
| Bay length | 5400 mm | Min. 5400 mm clear length including any overhang allowance for vehicle overhang |
| Shared zone width | 2400 mm (dedicated) 1200 mm (shared between 2 bays) | Shared access zone may be shared between two adjacent accessible bays. Must be on the driver's side. AS 2890.6 Sec. 3. |
| Overhead clearance | 2500 mm | Minimum 2500 mm overhead clearance throughout accessible path from the car park to the accessible building entry |
| Path from bay to entry | 1000 mm clear (min.) | Accessible path of travel from each accessible bay to the accessible building entry — no steps, max 1:14 ramp where level change, AS 1428.1:2021 |
| Signage | International symbol of access | Ground marking and vertical sign (1200–1400 mm AFF) at each accessible bay. AS 2890.6 and AS 1428.2. |
NCC Part Finder
Find which NCC 2022 Part covers a specific topic. Search by keyword or browse by subject area.
NCC 2022 Volume One & Volume Two