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When planning to build a new shed, it's essential to understand how it fits within Australia's National Construction Code (NCC). The NCC groups buildings by their use, and this classification helps ensure that your shed meets all the necessary technical requirements.

What is the NCC?

The National Construction Code (NCC) sets out the minimum technical standards for new buildings and new building work in existing buildings. These standards are crucial for ensuring safety, durability, and compliance across various building types.

Class 10 Buildings: Non-Habitable Structures

For sheds, the relevant classification under the NCC is Class 10a. This class includes non-habitable buildings such as:

Sheds: Ideal for storage, workshops, or other non-residential uses.
Carports: Sheltered spaces for vehicles.
Private Garages: Enclosed spaces for housing vehicles or other personal items.

Class 10a buildings are distinct from habitable spaces, meaning they are not intended for living purposes but serve essential roles in supporting residential and commercial properties.

Why Classification Matters

Understanding the classification of your shed is vital because it influences:

Council Approvals: Some local councils may require specific permits based on the classification of your building.
Construction Standards: The classification dictates the structural requirements, ensuring that your shed is built to withstand environmental factors such as wind, rain, and bushfire risks.
Usage Limitations: While Class 10a buildings are versatile, they are not designed for residential or commercial occupancy. Ensuring the correct classification helps avoid potential legal and safety issues.

Mixed Use and Multi-Class Buildings

In some cases, a building might serve multiple purposes. For example, a property with a shed (Class 10a), a workshop (Class 8), and an office (Class 5) would need to comply with the regulations for each relevant classification.

Need More Information?

At Dinky Di Sheds, we specialize in creating custom sheds that meet the strictest standards of the NCC. If you're unsure about which classification applies to your project or need assistance with council approvals, our team is here to help.

More Information:

Basic Building Classification Definitions Download PDF

NCC Building Classification Guide Download PDF

Classification Summary of Buildings and Structures defined in the Building Code of Australia

CLASSES OF BUILDING

Class 1:
Class 1a
A single dwelling being a detached house, or one or more attached dwellings, each being a building, seperated by a fire-resisting wall, including a row house, terrace house, town house or villa unit.

Class 1b
A boarding house, guest house, hostel or the like with a total area of all floors not exceeding 300m2, and where not more than 12 reside, and is not located above or below another dwelling or another Class of bulding other than a private garage.

Class 2:
A building containing 2 or more sole-occupancy units each being a separate dwelling.

Class 3:
A residential building, other than a Class 1 or 2 building, which is a common place of long term or transient living for a number of unrelated persons.

Example: boarding-house, hostel, backpackers accomodation or residential part of a hotel, motel, school or detention centre.

Class 4:
A dwelling in a building that is Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 if it is the only dwelling in the building.

Class 5:

An office building used for professional or commercial purposes, excluding buildings of Class 6, 7, 8 or 9.

Class 6:
A shop or other building for the sale of goods by retail or the supply of services direct to the public.
Example: café, restaurant, kiosk, hairdressers, showroom or service station.

Class 7:
Class 7a
A building which is a carpark.
Class 7b
A building which is for storage or display of goods or produce for sale by wholesale.

Class 8:
A laboratory, or a building in which a handicraft or process for the production, assembling, altering, repairing, packing, finishing, or cleaning of goods or produce is carried on for trade, sale or gain.
A building of a public nature -

Class 9:
Class 9a
A health care building, including those parts of the building set aside as a laboratory.
Class 9b
An assembly building, including a trade workshop, laboratory or the like, in a primary or secondary school, but excluding any other parts of the building that are of another class.
Class 9c
An aged care building.

Class 10:

A non habitable building or structure -
Class 10a
A private garage, carport, shed or the like.
Class 10b
A structure being a fence, mast, antenna, retaining or free standing wall, swimming pool or the like.

Note: The classification of buildings and the type of construction can vary from the standard model depicted in the tables. Concessions can be provided that change the type of construction. The concessions can relate to the design of the building, its size, and the number