Liveable Housing Design Requirements for Class 1a Buildings

The National Construction Code 2022 (NCC 2022) includes Liveable Housing Design (LHD) requirements for Class 1a buildings.

Where a proposed building is classified as Class 1a, the design must consider the Liveable Housing Design Standard. In Queensland, the application of these requirements may be affected by the Queensland Development Code (QDC) MP 4.5, including exemptions or exclusions that apply to certain buildings, lots, or building work.

The Liveable Housing Design Standard includes the following parts:

Part 1 – Dwelling access

Part 2 – Dwelling entrance

Part 3 – Internal doors and corridors

Part 4 – Sanitary compartment

Part 5 – Shower

Part 6 – Reinforcement of bathroom and sanitary compartment walls

Use the checklist below to help determine whether the LHD provisions apply to your project and which requirements need to be addressed.

Liveable Housing Design Compliance Checklist

Step 1: Building classification

Important note on Queensland exemptions

The Queensland State Government has introduced provisional exemptions to the NCC 2022 Liveable Housing requirements through Queensland Development Code Part 4.5 – Liveable dwellings and grading to floor wastes.

These exemptions can affect whether all, some, or none of the LHD provisions apply to a proposed development. Care should be taken when interpreting these provisions, and professional advice should be obtained where clarification is needed for a specific project.