What accessibility requirements apply to my Dual Occupancy?
New dual-occupancy dwellings generally need to meet the NCC's livable housing design requirements, including:
- a step-free path to at least one entrance, subject to certain site exemptions;
- at least one level and step-free entrance;
- doors and corridors that allow easier movement;
- an accessible toilet on the ground or entry level;
- an accessible shower; and
- reinforced walls around the toilet, shower and applicable bath so grabrails can be installed in the future.
Detailed design and dimensional requirements are set out in the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design.
Reference: NCC 2022 Volume Two – Part H8 Livable Housing Design, H8P1 and H8D2; ABCB Livable Housing Design Standard – https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-two/h-class-1-and-10-buildings/part-h8-livable-housing-design
Short Answer
New dual-occupancy dwellings generally need to provide step-free access and entry, accessible circulation, an accessible toilet and shower, and provision for future grabrails, subject to the applicable NCC exemptions.
Detailed Explanation
Where a dual-occupancy dwelling is classified as a Class 1a building, NCC 2022 Volume Two Part H8 – Livable Housing Design applies.
Performance Requirement H8P1 requires provision for step-free access and entry, suitable internal doors and corridors, an accessible sanitary compartment on the ground or entry level, an accessible shower, and wall construction capable of accommodating the future installation of grabrails.
For a Deemed-to-Satisfy solution, H8D2 requires a Class 1a dwelling to comply with the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design, subject to the specified exemptions for step-free access.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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