The ACT commenced the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 on 1 May 2026, with a 12-month transition period to support industry adoption.
As the ACT transitions to NCC 2025, we would like to highlight an important upcoming milestone and provide a reminder of key dates. We encourage members to review project schedules and consider how the transition arrangements may impact current and future projects.
Key Dates
1 November 2026
Projects with a Development Application or Works Approval Application lodged before 1 November 2026 will be able to seek Building Approval under NCC 2022 and the ACT 2022 Appendix while the Development Application or Works Approval Application remains valid.
“Lodged” means that a Completeness Check had been finalised for the project to the satisfaction of the ACT and all relevant Development or Works Application fees have been paid by the applicant.
1 May 2027
NCC 2025 is mandatory for all Building Approvals issued on or after 1 May 2027, except those projects with a valid Development Application or Works Approval application lodged before 1 November 2026 (as per above).
Projects with Building Approval issued before 1 May 2027 may comply with either:
Key Website Links
NCC – 2022 and 2025. Educational materials regarding NCC 2025 can be found here.
ACT Appendix to the Building Code – 2022 requirements are in Schedule 1 while 2025 requirements are in Schedule 2.
Further information on NCC 2025 implementation and transition arrangements is available on the ACT Planning website.
