Australian Building Classes Explained
Every building in Australia is assigned a building classification under the National Construction Code (NCC)
based on how it is designed to be used.
Building classifications help determine which NCC requirements apply to a project, including requirements relating to structure, fire safety, access, services and other aspects of building design and construction.
The NCC includes Classes 1 through to 10, with several sub-classifications. For the larger structural steel buildings TechSpan typically works with, Class 7b, Class 8 and Class 9b are particularly relevant. Agricultural buildings may also fall within different classifications depending on their size, use and occupancy.
Understanding the intended use of your building early can help establish the right compliance and design pathway before the project progresses too far.
Australian Building Classes Overview
Class 1
Houses and certain small residential buildings.
- Class 1a: A single dwelling, such as a detached house, townhouse or similar.
- Class 1b: Certain small boarding houses, guest houses, hostels or similar accommodation.
Class 2
Buildings containing two or more sole-occupancy residential units, such as apartment buildings.
Class 3
Residential buildings providing accommodation for unrelated people, such as certain boarding houses, hostels and accommodation buildings.
Class 4
A single dwelling located within a building of another class.
Class 5
Office buildings used for professional or commercial purposes.
Class 6
Shops and other buildings used for the retail sale of goods or services directly to the public.
Class 7
Storage-type buildings.
- Class 7a: Carparks.
- Class 7b: Buildings typically used for storage or the display of goods or produce for wholesale.
Class 8
Buildings where a process is carried out for trade, sale or gain. This can include production, assembly, repair, packing, finishing, processing and similar activities.
Class 9
Buildings of a public nature.
- Class 9a: Healthcare buildings.
- Class 9b: Assembly buildings, including many schools, halls, sporting facilities and public gathering spaces.
- Class 9c: Residential care buildings.
Class 10
Non-habitable buildings and structures.
- Class 10a: Non-habitable buildings including certain sheds, carports and private garages.
- Class 10b: Structures such as fences, masts, retaining walls and swimming pools.
- Class 10c: Private bushfire shelters.
The classification ultimately depends on the purpose for which the building or part of the building is designed, constructed or adapted to be used.
What Building Class Could Apply to a TechSpan Project?
The appropriate building classification depends on how the building will be used. Some of the classifications commonly relevant to the types of structural steel projects TechSpan delivers include:
Class 7b: Warehouses & Storage Buildings
Class 7b generally applies to buildings used for storage or the display of goods or produce for wholesale.
Typical TechSpan projects may include warehouses and logistics facilities, commodity storage buildings and other large storage facilities.
Class 8: Manufacturing, Processing & Workshop Buildings
Class 8 generally applies to buildings where processes such as production, assembly, repair, packing, finishing or processing are carried out.
Typical TechSpan projects may include manufacturing and processing facilities, processing facilities and service and maintenance workshops.
Class 9b: Community & Assembly Buildings
Class 9b applies to assembly buildings where people gather for purposes including education, recreation, sport and community activities.
Typical TechSpan projects may include school COLAs and educational buildings, multipurpose halls and grandstand covers and recreational facilities.
What Class Is a Farm Shed in Australia?
There isn’t one building classification that applies to every farm shed.
The classification of an agricultural building can depend on its size, purpose, use, occupancy and the activities taking place within it. Depending on the project, agricultural buildings may fall within Class 7, Class 8 or Class 10a.
For example, NCC guidance explains that a shed used to park a single tractor may potentially be classified as Class 10a, while a building accommodating multiple tractors and other farm machinery may require another classification. If mechanical work is regularly undertaken within the building, Class 8 may potentially be relevant.
The NCC also contains specific provisions for certain Class 7 and Class 8 farm buildings and farm sheds.
This is why the intended use of an agricultural building should be established early rather than assuming every farm shed is Class 10a.
If you’re planning a machinery shed, workshop, commodity storage facility or another large agricultural building, its intended use should form part of the early project planning process.
Can One Building Have More Than One Classification?
Yes.
A building can contain areas designed for different purposes, which may result in different classifications applying to different parts of the building. A building or part of a building can also have multiple classifications where appropriate.
For example, an industrial development could contain warehouse, manufacturing and office areas, with different classifications potentially applying according to how those areas are designed to be used.
The NCC specifically gives the example of an industrial building designed for use as either a factory or warehouse potentially carrying both Class 7b and Class 8 classifications, provided the applicable requirements are met.
Identifying the intended uses early can help ensure the design and wider project documentation are developed around the requirements of the facility.
Why Does Building Classification Matter?
Building classification isn’t simply an administrative label. It helps determine which NCC requirements apply to the building.
The classification can therefore influence considerations throughout the project, including design, documentation, approvals and compliance requirements.
This is particularly important for larger structural steel buildings where the facility may incorporate multiple uses, operational areas or different occupancy requirements.
Defining how the building will actually be used early gives the wider project team a clearer foundation from which to progress.
Who Determines a Building’s Classification?
The appropriate building classification should be determined as part of the building approval and certification process.
NCC guidance notes that classification is the responsibility of the appropriate authority, such as the building certifier.
TechSpan works with clients, builders and project teams to understand the intended use and structural requirements of the building early. This helps ensure the structural solution is developed around the project requirements while the appropriate consultants and authorities manage the relevant approval and certification requirements.
Planning a Structural Steel Building?
Understanding how your building will be used is an important part of defining your project requirements early.
Through TechSpan’s Concept. Configure. Construct. approach, we work through your operational requirements, site conditions and structural requirements early, helping create a clearer pathway from initial planning through to project delivery.
Whether you’re planning an industrial building, agricultural facility, aviation building or community facility, getting these requirements clear early can help create a smoother pathway through design and delivery.
Talk with our team about your project
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Building Classes
What is a Class 7b building?
A Class 7b building is typically a warehouse, storage building or building used for the display of goods or produce for wholesale. The appropriate classification depends on the intended use of the particular building.
What is a Class 8 building?
A Class 8 building is generally a building where a process is carried out for trade, sale or gain. This can include manufacturing, production, assembly, repair, packing, finishing and processing activities.
What is a Class 9b building?
Class 9b covers assembly buildings where people gather for purposes including education, recreation, sport and other community activities. Schools, halls and certain sporting or public-use facilities can fall within Class 9b.
What class is a farm shed in Australia?
There isn’t a single classification for all farm sheds. Depending on the building’s size, use, occupancy and operations, an agricultural building may potentially fall within Class 7, Class 8 or Class 10a.
Is a machinery shed Class 10a?
It can be, but not necessarily. NCC guidance notes that a shed used to store a single tractor may potentially be Class 10a, while larger buildings storing multiple pieces of machinery or accommodating other activities may require another classification.
Can an industrial building have both Class 7b and Class 8 classifications?
Yes. The NCC confirms that buildings can have multiple classifications. An industrial building designed for use as either a factory or warehouse can potentially be classified as both Class 7b and Class 8 where the relevant requirements are satisfied.
Who decides what class my building is?
The appropriate authority, such as the building certifier, determines the building classification as part of the approval and certification process.