May 32 min read

QDC MP 4.5 / NCC 2022 requirements for bathrooms and internal wet areas

Updated: Nov 20

The state government has advised that updates to the Queensland Development Code will support the implementation of the NCC 2022 and Modern Homes standards.

Click to downlaod/ access legislation: Livable dwellings and grading to floor wastes

To streamline building approvals, add plan details and highlight if design is to Housing Provisions Part 10.2 (NCC 2022) or AS 3740 (2021)

Provide a bathroom layout showing

shower type (unenclosed showers may require an additional floor waste).
floor waste: location and fall
Waterproofing and tiling extent
Include shower rose, toilet pan dimensions and product specifications, where available (eg for detachable shower hose)

Q: When designing a bathroom, where can I check what's required?

A: Review QDC MP 4.5 requirements alongside NCC 2022 legislation and Livable Housing Design Standard (LHDS). Detail plans accordingly to clearly identify compliance with the code.

Q: Where a floor waste is installed (outside a shower, WC or laundry), are there alternatives to having to provide fall to the floor waste?

A: Yes, refer to QDC MP 4.5 AO5.

Any area separated from the shower area may not need to be graded – as per QDC MP 4.5. See diagram A5(5) for general information and apply acceptable solutions list for A5 (on p19) for requirements.

Learn more

This Master Builders summar y is helpful, as is the r ecent HIA guide.
Modern Homes standards info here. Myths busted here. Government newsflashes are located on the Business Queensland website.

Fielding client questions?

Design professionals and builders, download the checklist - Master Builders Guide for Livable Housing Documentation.

For internal wet areas, each part of the design must comply. For example, Part 5 on page 19 of the QDC MP 4.5 relates to performance criteria so is similar to a deemed to satisfy (DTS). Then A5 outlines acceptable solution conditions (ie how this might be done).

BA&A infographic legislative layers — Applying layers of legislation - check Queensland requirements / exemptions alongside NCC 2022.

Windows in shower areas

Housing provisions Part 10.2, has the requirement that “walls of the shower area must be waterproof not less that 1800 mm above the floor substrate”
As a result, when designing bathrooms to the housing provisions, windows in a shower area are required to be 1800mm above tiled level and outside of the waterproof area (as they are not defined as waterproof).

Alternatively a performance solution may be sought.