NCC 2022 Shower Floor Grading Requirements
NCC 2022, effective from May 2023, revised shower floor grading to be minimum 1:80 to maximum 1:50. This applies to all States and is irrespective of whether the waterproofing method being used is AS3740-2021 or the NCC Housing Provisions.
In Queensland, QDC MP 4.5 introduced alternatives for floor grading to other floor wastes, but this does not apply to shower areas. Showers must still comply with the min 1:80 and 1:50 as specified above.
Older approvals granted under NCC 2019 had different floor grading requirements, so it is important to verify the NCC version which applied to the project prior to installation of the waterproofing membrane and floor tiles.
Adoption of NCC 2022 & Liveable Housing on 1st October and Energy Efficiency delayed to 1st May 2024
The Queensland Government has announced that 7 star energy efficiency requirements set to commence 1st October 2023 have been delayed until 1st May 2024.
The deferred commencement is due to the delay in developing new energy efficiency software. All other requirements included in NCC 2022 will still commence on 1st October 2023 including the Liveable Housing provisions.
The Government has also released QDC 4.5 which provides Liveable Housing concessions for certain lot types as well as providing guidance on solutions for grading floor wastes and the construction of enclosed showers. QDC 4.1 will continue to apply in relation to energy efficiency until 1st May 2024.
Please click the below link to view the published Code and associated requirements for 1st October 2023 commencement.
Amendments To Existing Mandatory Forms 12 And 15 (Queensland)
As of March 10th 2023 there are amended Forms 12 and 15 to be completed by the competent person, which are typically the engineers and manufacturers. Forms signed before 10th March 2023 will remain valid, and there are transitional arrangements which require the new forms to be used from 1st May 2023.
There is also a new Form 73 – “Product Technical Statement”. This is a non-mandatory form which may be given by a manufacturer or supplier to provide evidence of suitability that a material, product or form of construction complies with the BCA.
For more information visit the Queensland Government Newsflash link.
The updated Form templates can be obtained via this link.
Changes to Branch Drain Connections
HIA has issued advice regarding the changes to branch drain connections in the revised NCC 2022. For further information, see the link below:
Brisbane City Council – Changes to Siting Variations
Brisbane City Council has now published further information about changes to siting variations which can be found at:
Brisbane Siting Relaxation Fees
From 1 July 2022, the Council fee for a siting relaxation will increase from $610 to $640.
The current $610 fee applies irrespective of the number of relaxations sought.
The new $640 fee will apply to each relaxation, which will result in significant fee increases where both front and side relaxations are sought.
Changes to AS/NZS 3500
Builders should be aware that major changes to AS/NZS 3500 will commence on 1 September 2022.
These include changes to elevated drainage pipework junctions which mean that all 100 mm branch drains will now be required to be installed at an inclination of not less than 15 degrees.
This may have major consequences to joist heights and bulkheads.
For further details https://plumber.com.au/news/new-plumbing-standards/
Changes to Brisbane Siting Variations on 1 July 2022
Brisbane City Council have advised that Fast Track Assessment will cease on 1 July 2022 and be replaced by the standard referral process.
The Council has flagged minimum information that should accompany applications. The expected assessment timeframe is 3 weeks.
In addition applicants will no longer be required to obtain neighbour comments. Instead applicants will be required to notify neighbours who will be able to make comments on Development.i.
At this stage no further details are available.
Heavy Rain and On-site Risks
Returning to work after all the recent heavy rain we should be aware that excess water also results in additional on-site risks such as slip hazards and electrocution.
Also, please ensure any pools under construction that have filled with more than 300 mm of water are immediately drained or fenced.
Hopefully we have seen the last of the recent heavy rain and your families and staff have remained safe during these difficult times.