In Australia, building classifications and regulations can be quite complicated, especially if you’re planning a construction or renovation project. With such a wide variety of buildings, from family homes to office places, figuring out which building standards to follow can feel overwhelming. That’s where building classifications come into play.
Not sure what terms like class 2 building or class 10a building requirements actually mean? Don’t worry—this guide simplifies the classifications and explains exactly what you need to know.
What are the classification of buildings in Australia?
In Australia, the National Construction Code (NCC) divides buildings into categories called classifications. Class 1 includes residential houses, Class 10 includes structures like garages and fences, and so on.
The building’s purpose and the risks associated with its use are the basis for each classification. For example, a residential apartment building (Class 2) must follow specific requirements for fire safety and noise control, while a warehouse (Class 7) has different standards due to its purpose.
So, let’s take a closer look at these classifications and what they mean for builders, property owners and building inspectors.
Class 1: Residential Dwellings
Class 1 buildings mainly consist of single-family homes or similar types of dwellings. These are further divided into two categories:
- Class 1a: These are individual homes, like detached houses or attached townhouses. When attached, fire-resistant walls are used to keep each dwelling safe and separate.
- Class 1b: This includes smaller accommodation buildings like boarding houses or guest houses. These buildings are typically less than 300m² in size and cater to fewer than 12 people, like holiday units grouped on the same property.
Class 2: Multi-Unit Residences
Class 2 buildings include apartment complexes or unit blocks where people live above or next to each other.
Each of these living spaces, called a sole occupancy unit (SOU), is intended for single households. A single-level unit built over shared spaces such as a car park or basement could be a class 2 building.
These structures need to be fire-safe, noise-controlled, and accessible to all residents.
Class 3: Accommodation Buildings
A class 3 building is designed for groups of unrelated people living together, either temporarily or for longer periods. Some common examples are:
- Hotels and motels
- Backpacker hostels
- Large boarding houses
- Dormitories or worker housing for agricultural or mining jobs
This classification includes care facilities for children, elderly people or people with disabilities if they are not classified as healthcare buildings (Class 9). These buildings are required to meet strict standards for fire safety, accessibility, and amenities to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Classes 4 to 10: Other Building Types Explained
- Class 4 Building
This is a single residence located inside a non-residential building, like a caretaker’s apartment in a warehouse. Each building can only have one Class 4 part.
- Class 5 Building
Professional office spaces, such as those used by lawyers, accountants, or government agencies, fall into this category.
- Class 6 Building
Buildings in use for retail or service purposes, such as shops, cafés, restaurants or hair salons. The spaces are designed to serve the public directly.
- Class 7 Building
Storage-type buildings are split into two groups:
- Class 7a: Carparks
- Class 7b: Wholesale storage facilities or warehouses
- Class 8 Building
Industrial buildings like factories where goods are manufactured, repaired, or processed. Labs can also include this depending on their purpose.
- Class 9 Building
Public buildings fall under Class 9 and are split into three subcategories:
Class 9a: Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, day surgeries, and clinics.
Class 9b: Buildings for gatherings, such as theatres, schools, and sports arenas.
Class 9c: Residential care facilities like aged care homes, where residents may need help with daily activities or evacuation.
- Class 10 Building
Non-Habitable Structures. Class 10 includes structures that aren’t used for living but serve other purposes. These are:
Class 10a: Private garages, carports, and sheds.
Class 10b: Structures like swimming pools, retaining walls, or fences.
Class 10c: Private bushfire shelters designed to protect residents in high-risk fire zones.
How Mixed-Use Buildings Are Categorised
Mixed-use buildings serve more than one purpose, such as having residential apartments (Class 2) on the upper floors, retail shops (Class 6) on the ground floor, and a car park (Class 7a) below.
Each section is given a separate classification that reflects its primary function.
For example, a building might be labelled Class 5/6/7 if it includes office spaces, shops, and storage facilities. This system gives architects the freedom to design versatile properties while still meeting the NCC requirements for safety and compliance in each section.
Tip: If you’re building a new home, don’t forget to do a stage and handover inspection to have the peace of mind that your construction is following the right standards of quality, apart from being able to address any issue as soon as it arises.
Contact Us for Building Inspection Services
Building classes Australia can be confusing, but they’re essential for making sure your project is safe and up to code. If you’re building, renovating, or need an inspection, having the right professional on your side can avoid headaches, save money and time.
At Fearless Building Inspections, we provide specialised building inspection services to make sure your building meets all necessary standards, including class 10a building requirements.
For pre-purchase building inspections, commercial building inspections or home renovation, contact FBI!