New documentation guidelines for better buildings

The ACT Government has commenced wide ranging industry consultation on the development of stringent guidelines required for building approvals.

In addition to establishing new building approval guidelines, the Government has also commenced consultation on new codes of practice for builders and building certifiers.

Minister for Building Quality Improvement Gordon Ramsay said the new documentation guidelines, coupled with the new codes of practice would ensure that industry has a strong measure of accountability when considering building applications.

“These new measures will clarify what minimum documentation is required by an applicant seeking building approval and building certifiers will be able to see exactly what is proposed and whether it complies with the building code and the ACT Building Act,” Minister Ramsay said.

“Importantly, any breach by a builder or building certifier against the new codes of practice will be able to result in to regulatory action being undertaken by the Construction Occupations Registrar.”

The guidelines are being released as a preview to allow for final industry comments before being enshrined in legislation.

The content of the codes and guidelines will be settled by 30 June 2019 and mandatory compliance with the guidelines and codes will commence from 1 September 2019.

The guidelines cover building applications for all new and substantially altered apartment buildings and commercial buildings (class 2-9 buildings).

They will also require designers to provide information on the maintenance requirements for essential safety systems in buildings, such as the fire protection systems.

See the guidelines at www.planning.act.gov.au.

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