What changed for disability access in NCC 2025, and what it means in NSW
Part D4 itself has no listed amendment in NCC 2025. The big access update, adopting AS 1428.1:2021 and aligning with the amended Premises Standards, already happened in NCC 2022 Amendment 2 on 29 July 2025. NCC 2025 adds changes around D4: new ramp definitions and concessions, wayfinding signage, lift changes, and Part F4 sanitary changes including an optional all-gender route. NSW adopts NCC 2025 on 1 May 2027. Until then, construction certificates and complying development certificates are assessed against NCC 2022 Amendment 2.
The short answer: Part D4 did not change much. Amendment 2 already did the heavy lifting
NCC 2022 was the original 2022 edition. NCC 2022 Amendment 2 took effect on 29 July 2025. It replaced AS 1428.1-2009 with AS 1428.1:2021 and updated clause references in D3D11, D3D16, D3D22, D4D2, D4D3, D4D4, D4D7, D4D10, D4D11, D4D13, Specification 16, E3D10, F4D5 and G4D5. The D4D4 carpet pile and backing limits were deleted. NCC 2025 was published on 1 May 2026 and starts in NSW on 1 May 2027.
If your access report still cites AS 1428.1-2009 for a new NSW construction certificate, it is out of date already. That is not an NCC 2025 issue. For the full clause-by-clause Part D4 walkthrough see NCC Part D4 access for people with a disability.
NCC 2025 access changes at a glance
The table below stays close to the NCC 2025 list of amendments. Source: ABCB NCC 2025 Volume One, list of amendments, and clause text; NCC 2022 Amendment 2. Includes NCC 2025 Corrigendum 1 and NCC 2022 Amendment 2 Corrigendum 1 (29 October 2026), neither of which changes Part D4 or Part F4.
| NCC 2022 A2 clause | NCC 2025 clause | What changed | Impact for access reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part D4 (D4D2–D4D13) | Part D4 (D4D2–D4D13) | No entry in the NCC 2025 list of amendments. D4D4 cites AS 1428.1 cl 7 (ramps) and cl 8 (stairs), as A2 already did. The D4D5 wording change is editorial. | Same Deemed-to-Satisfy access requirements. Update the edition citation only. |
| D4D1 | D4D1 (and NSW D4D1) | Now cites D1P10 and D3D2–D3D31 (NSW: D3D2 to NSW D3D32). This is a consequence of the new wayfinding clause. | Cite the correct Performance Requirements list when a report pairs Deemed-to-Satisfy with a Performance Solution. |
| AS 1428.1:2021 (introduced by A2) | AS 1428.1:2021 | No change in NCC 2025. The AS 1428.1-2009 to 2021 move happened in A2. | Keep the 2021 clause numbering. |
| D1P2(c) | D1P2 | New limitation: D1P2(c) does not apply to threshold ramps, except D1P2(c)(i)(A) applies to threshold ramps provided for people with a disability. | Set out which ramp type each doorway or level change is: threshold, step, kerb, or ramp. |
| D3D11 | D3D11(3) | Slip-resistance requirement now excludes threshold ramps. | Note the concession. AS 1428.1 still governs threshold ramp design. |
| D3D16 | D3D16 | Reference to Class 9a and Class 9c buildings removed. | Check the practical effect on the project. |
| D3D22 | D3D22 | The handrail requirements in D3D22(1) do not apply to step ramps, threshold ramps or kerb ramps. | Fewer false handrail required items at doorways and kerbs. Check AS 1428.1 still applies where Part D4 calls it up. |
| Schedule 1 | Schedule 1 | New defined terms: kerb ramp, step ramp, threshold ramp (also allotment). | Use the defined terms exactly in report tables. |
| — | D1P10 + D3D31 (new) | New wayfinding signage for buildings with an effective height over 12 m or more than 3 below-ground storeys. Covers stairway identification, floor-level signs and sole-occupancy unit direction signs, with minimum character heights, contrast and low-light legibility. | Not disability wayfinding (that remains D4D9 and Specification 15). Coordinate locations with braille and tactile signs, and flag overlaps. |
| E3D4 | E3D4(3) | Lift fire warning sign lettering must contrast with its background. | Minor. Add to lift checklist items. |
| E3D7(1)(e) | E3D7 | Small-sized, low-speed automatic lifts are no longer permitted (definition deleted). | Important for low-rise projects that relied on this lift type. See do I need a lift NCC NSW. |
| Specification 24 | S24C6 | Dimensions amended to align with other standards. | Verify which dimensions on the project. |
| F4D4(6) | F4D4(6) | Means of disposal of sanitary products extended to all sanitary facilities. Dispenser required in facilities for females. | Accessible unisex rooms get a disposal unit. Check circulation spaces are not compromised. |
| — | F4D4(12)–(14) (new) | Optional Deemed-to-Satisfy route for all-gender facilities instead of male and female facilities, with numbers by scenario. | Accessible unisex compartments are still required under F4D5 and F4D6. See NCC 2025 all-gender sanitary facilities. |
| Table F4D4i | Table F4D4i | Ratio change for Class 9b single-auditorium theatres and cinemas (more female facilities). | Confirm exact figures from the NCC 2025 table. |
| F4D6(1)(c)(ii), (e) | F4D6(1)(c)(ii), (e) | Class 3 and 9c common areas, and Class 10a: the trigger changes from bank containing male and female sanitary compartments to bank containing 2 or more sanitary compartments. (d) for Class 5–9 still reads male and female. | All-gender-only banks in Class 3, 9c and 10a still trigger an accessible unisex compartment. |
| F4D8(1) | F4D8(1)(a) | Floor-to-ceiling doors and partitions for unisex and all-gender compartments. | Coordinate with the architect. Affects ventilation and door design. |
| F4D12 | F4D12 | No entry in the list of amendments (accessible adult change facilities). | Unchanged. See accessible adult change facilities. |
Ramps, thresholds and kerbs: the new definitions
NCC 2025 adds defined terms for kerb ramp, step ramp and threshold ramp. Earlier editions caught threshold ramps in general ramp, handrail and slip clauses. The concessions are in D1 and D3. AS 1428.1 design for access still applies where Part D4 calls it up. Keep D3 (general egress) and D4 (access) distinct. See ramp handrails and kerb rails and accessible stairways AS 1428.
Lifts: small-sized, low-speed automatic lifts are out
NCC 2025 deletes the allowance for small-sized, low-speed automatic lifts under E3D7. Projects that relied on this type for low-rise Class 5, 6 and 9b buildings with limited travel need to confirm the lift type early if the construction certificate will be lodged after 1 May 2027. E3D8 accessible lift features has no amendment entry and remains unchanged. See do I need a lift NCC NSW and platform lifts CDC Class 2 NSW.
Wayfinding signage (D1P10 and D3D31) is not the same as accessible signage
New wayfinding signage applies to buildings with an effective height over 12 m or more than 3 below-ground storeys. It covers stairway identification, floor-level signs and sole-occupancy unit direction signs. This is separate from D4D9 and Specification 15 braille and tactile signs, which have not changed. Coordinate locations and flag overlaps. See wayfinding signage accessibility standards.
Part F4: all-gender, sanitary products and the accessible unisex trigger
All-gender facilities are optional, not required
F4D4(12) to (14) give an optional Deemed-to-Satisfy route for all-gender facilities. Accessible unisex compartments remain required under F4D5 and F4D6. See NCC 2025 all-gender sanitary facilities for the numbers.
The F4D6 trigger change for Class 3, 9c and 10a
For Class 3 and 9c common areas, and Class 10a, the trigger changes from a bank containing male and female sanitary compartments to a bank containing 2 or more sanitary compartments. Class 5 to 9 still refer to male and female. All-gender-only banks in the affected classes still trigger an accessible unisex compartment.
Sanitary product disposal in accessible rooms
Means of disposal of sanitary products is extended to all sanitary facilities. Accessible unisex rooms get a disposal unit. Check that circulation spaces are not compromised.
Adult change facilities: no change
F4D12 has no entry in the list of amendments. See accessible adult change facilities.
What has not changed (so you can stop worrying)
- Part D4 Deemed-to-Satisfy clauses (no entry in the NCC 2025 list of amendments). See NCC Part D4 access guide.
- D4D8 hearing augmentation. See hearing augmentation NCC.
- D4D6 car parking with AS/NZS 2890.6. See accessible car parking NSW.
- Specification 15 braille and tactile signs.
- Specification 16 accessible pool entry.
- F4D12 adult change facilities.
- AS 1428.1 remains the 2021 edition.
NSW: which edition applies to my project?
Dates
NSW adopts NCC 2025 on 1 May 2027. NCC 2022 Amendment 2 has been the current NSW edition since 29 July 2025. Victoria and Western Australia adopted NCC 2025 on 1 May 2026. Queensland and South Australia (BCA) also adopt it on 1 May 2027. See NCC 2025 adoption in NSW for the transition detail.
CC and CDC lodged now
CDC applications and most CC applications lodged on or after 29 July 2025 are assessed against NCC 2022 Amendment 2. There are special rules for multi-storey buildings with multiple construction certificates. Confirm the edition with the Principal Certifier for the specific certificate. See the NSW Government page on how to comply with the National Construction Code.
DA stage
The NCC edition bites at construction certificate or complying development certificate. A DA access report should state which edition it addresses. If the construction certificate is likely to be lodged after 1 May 2027, include an NCC 2025 readiness note. See DA vs CC access report and what certifiers want in an access report.
NSW variations to watch
NSW D4D1 references NSW D3D32. NSW D3D32 covers doors in paths of travel to an entertainment venue. NSW F4 has blank F4P6 and F4D10, and a replaced Table F4D4d for restaurants, cafés and bars. The NSW variations shown do not alter F4D4(12) to (14). NSW still has not adopted the Livable Housing Design Standard.
Future-proofing checklist
- Confirm the lift type early for projects reaching CC after 1 May 2027.
- Label threshold, step and kerb ramps correctly.
- Count accessible unisex compartments where all-gender banks are proposed.
- Allow space for sanitary product disposal in accessible rooms.
- Coordinate floor-to-ceiling partitions for unisex and all-gender compartments.
- Provide wayfinding signage for buildings over 12 m effective height or more than 3 basement levels.
- State the NCC edition on every access report and Performance Solution.
When the NCC 2025 change needs a Performance Solution
NCC 2022 projects commonly relied on Performance Solutions for all-gender facilities. NCC 2025 gives a Deemed-to-Satisfy route, but not for multi-cubicle mixed rooms. See what is an NCC Performance Solution.
Answer-ready questions
Did NCC 2025 change Part D4 (access for people with a disability)?
No listed changes. NCC 2025 Volume One's list of amendments has no entry for Part D4. The only D4 changes are a consequential update to D4D1's list of referenced provisions and an editorial wording change in D4D5. The big access update, adopting AS 1428.1:2021, came in NCC 2022 Amendment 2 on 29 July 2025.
What are the main NCC 2025 accessibility changes?
New definitions and concessions for threshold, step and kerb ramps; new wayfinding signage (D1P10 and D3D31) for taller and deep-basement buildings; deletion of small-sized low-speed automatic lifts; and Part F4 sanitary changes including an optional all-gender Deemed-to-Satisfy route, extended sanitary product disposal, a changed accessible unisex trigger in some classes, and floor-to-ceiling partitions.
When does NCC 2025 start in NSW?
1 May 2027. Until then, NSW building work is assessed against NCC 2022 Amendment 2, in effect since 29 July 2025. CDC applications and most CC applications lodged on or after 29 July 2025 are assessed against it.
Does NCC 2025 change the version of AS 1428.1?
No. NCC 2025 continues to reference AS 1428.1:2021, which NCC 2022 Amendment 2 introduced.
Are all-gender toilets mandatory under NCC 2025?
No. F4D4(12) to (14) give an optional Deemed-to-Satisfy route. Accessible unisex sanitary compartments are still required under F4D5 and F4D6.
Do the 29 October 2026 corrigenda change access requirements?
Not Part D4 or Part F4. Both corrigenda correct Class 1b classification guidance and other editorial items. The Class 1b note can affect which access provisions apply to clusters of short-term holiday dwellings. See Class 1b short-term accommodation access NSW.
Should a DA access report in NSW address NCC 2025 now?
It should state which edition it addresses. If the construction certificate is likely to be lodged after 1 May 2027, ask your access consultant for an NCC 2025 readiness note.
Need an access report that states the right edition, or an NCC 2025 readiness check on a project reaching construction certificate after 1 May 2027? Call Sydney Access Consultants on (02) 9586 3111.
Links checked against live site files before pack. Last updated 3 November 2026.