NCC 2022 Volume One - Building Code of Australia Class 2 to 9 buildings
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G7

Part G7 Livable housing design

Part G7 Livable housing design

Introduction to this Part

This Part sets requirements for dwellings to include features that are designed to improve their accessibility and usability for occupants and visitors, including those with a mobility-related disability.

Notes

Part G7 Livable housing design does not take effect until 1 October 2023.

Notes: Tasmania Part G7 Livable housing design

For Tasmania, Part G7 does not take effect until 1 October 2024.

Objectives

The Objective of this Part is to ensure that housing is designed to meet the needs of the community, including older people and those with a mobility-related disability.

Applications

G7O1 only applies to a Class 2 sole-occupancy unit.

 

Part G7 sets requirements for Class 2 sole-occupancy units (typically apartments within a larger residential building) to include features that are designed to enhance their accessibility and usability for all occupants and visitors. The primary objective of this Part G7 is to ensure that housing design considers the diverse needs of the community. This includes catering to older people and individuals with mobility-related disabilities.

To meet the objective of G7O1, designers and builders should incorporate specific design features aimed at improving accessibility and usability. Part G7 only applies to Class 2 sole-occupancy units.

Functional Statements

A Class 2 sole-occupancy unit is to be designed such that it is—

  1. easy to enter; and
  2. easy to navigate in and around; and
  3. capable of easy and cost effective adaptation; and
  4. responsive to the changing needs of occupants.

Applications

G7F1 only applies to a Class 2 sole-occupancy unit.

Performance Requirements

Each sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 building must be provided with—

  1. at least one level and step-free entrance door into the sole-occupancy unit from an accessible part of the floor on which it is located; and
  2. internal doors and corridors which facilitate unimpeded movement between spaces; and
  3. a sanitary compartment that—
    1. facilitates independent access and use; and
    2. is located on the entry level of the sole-occupancy unit; and
  4. a shower that facilitates independent access and use; and
  5. the walls of a sanitary compartment referred to in (c), the shower referred to in (d) and a bath (where installed, other than a freestanding bath) constructed so as to facilitate future installation of grabrails, or the like, in a way that minimises the removal of existing wall linings.

Applications

G7P1(a) only applies to a sole-occupancy unit that is located on an accessible floor.

 

G7P1 outlines design requirements for Class 2 sole-occupancy units. The aim is to ensure that these dwellings are accessible and usable, promoting independence for occupants, including those with mobility-related disabilities. 

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

(1) Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirement G7P1 is satisfied by complying with G7D2.

(2) Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2G2(3) and A2G4(3) as applicable.

To clarify a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution complying with G7D2 satisfies the Performance Requirement G7P1. If a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements should be determined in accordance with A2G2(3) and A2G4(3).

Each sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 building must comply with the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design, except for Part 1.

Explanatory information

Part 1 of the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design requires a step-free access path from a parking space or property boundary, to the dwelling entry door. For Class 2 buildings, this requirement is already addressed by Part D4 and the Disability (Access to Premises—Buildings) Standards 2010. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply Part 1 of the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design to a Class 2 building.

G7D2 specifies that each sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 building must meet the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Standard for Livable Housing Design, with the exception of Part 1 as Part 1 is already covered in Part D4.