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NCC Requirements for Distance to Boundaries and Other Buildings
NCC Requirements for Distance to Boundaries and Other Buildings
NCC Requirements for Distance to Boundaries and Other Buildings
Jul 13, 2025
/
MP
/
3 min
Jul 13, 2025
/
MP
/
3 min
Jul 13, 2025
/
MP
/
3 min
When designing or modifying buildings, one of the most critical compliance aspects is ensuring appropriate setbacks from property boundaries and separation between buildings on the same allotment. These rules, outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC), exist to reduce the risk of fire spreading between structures.
At FyreWise Engineering, we specialise in delivering fire engineering reports and tailored performance solutions when standard compliance isn’t practical.
When designing or modifying buildings, one of the most critical compliance aspects is ensuring appropriate setbacks from property boundaries and separation between buildings on the same allotment. These rules, outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC), exist to reduce the risk of fire spreading between structures.
At FyreWise Engineering, we specialise in delivering fire engineering reports and tailored performance solutions when standard compliance isn’t practical.
When designing or modifying buildings, one of the most critical compliance aspects is ensuring appropriate setbacks from property boundaries and separation between buildings on the same allotment. These rules, outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC), exist to reduce the risk of fire spreading between structures.
At FyreWise Engineering, we specialise in delivering fire engineering reports and tailored performance solutions when standard compliance isn’t practical.
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What Does the NCC Say About Boundary Distances?
The NCC Volume One – Clause C4D3 and related sections set out required setbacks for external walls. These requirements aim to ensure that, in the event of a fire, flames are less likely to spread across boundaries or between buildings.
Key requirements include:
A minimum distance (often 900mm or more in Class 1 buildings and 3000 mm or more in buildings of Class 2-9) to a boundary where walls have unprotected openings.
Increased separation between Class 1 or Class 2–9 buildings on the same site, especially where combustible cladding or timber elements are used.
Enhanced protection (e.g. fire-rated walls) when separation cannot be achieved.
Why Performance Solutions May Be Needed
In many urban or infill developments across Brisbane and Queensland, these deemed-to-satisfy (DtS) distances are not always achievable due to:
Narrow lots or zero-lot boundaries
Proximity of existing structures
Design constraints on site
This is where a fire engineering performance solution comes into play. Our role is to assess the fire risk using predictive models, heat radiation calculations, or enhanced protection systems (like fire-resisting walls, drencher systems, or sprinkler overlap zones) to achieve an equivalent level of safety.
What Does the NCC Say About Boundary Distances?
The NCC Volume One – Clause C4D3 and related sections set out required setbacks for external walls. These requirements aim to ensure that, in the event of a fire, flames are less likely to spread across boundaries or between buildings.
Key requirements include:
A minimum distance (often 900mm or more in Class 1 buildings and 3000 mm or more in buildings of Class 2-9) to a boundary where walls have unprotected openings.
Increased separation between Class 1 or Class 2–9 buildings on the same site, especially where combustible cladding or timber elements are used.
Enhanced protection (e.g. fire-rated walls) when separation cannot be achieved.
Why Performance Solutions May Be Needed
In many urban or infill developments across Brisbane and Queensland, these deemed-to-satisfy (DtS) distances are not always achievable due to:
Narrow lots or zero-lot boundaries
Proximity of existing structures
Design constraints on site
This is where a fire engineering performance solution comes into play. Our role is to assess the fire risk using predictive models, heat radiation calculations, or enhanced protection systems (like fire-resisting walls, drencher systems, or sprinkler overlap zones) to achieve an equivalent level of safety.
What Does the NCC Say About Boundary Distances?
The NCC Volume One – Clause C4D3 and related sections set out required setbacks for external walls. These requirements aim to ensure that, in the event of a fire, flames are less likely to spread across boundaries or between buildings.
Key requirements include:
A minimum distance (often 900mm or more in Class 1 buildings and 3000 mm or more in buildings of Class 2-9) to a boundary where walls have unprotected openings.
Increased separation between Class 1 or Class 2–9 buildings on the same site, especially where combustible cladding or timber elements are used.
Enhanced protection (e.g. fire-rated walls) when separation cannot be achieved.
Why Performance Solutions May Be Needed
In many urban or infill developments across Brisbane and Queensland, these deemed-to-satisfy (DtS) distances are not always achievable due to:
Narrow lots or zero-lot boundaries
Proximity of existing structures
Design constraints on site
This is where a fire engineering performance solution comes into play. Our role is to assess the fire risk using predictive models, heat radiation calculations, or enhanced protection systems (like fire-resisting walls, drencher systems, or sprinkler overlap zones) to achieve an equivalent level of safety.
What’s in a Fire Engineering Report?
Every fire engineering report we prepare includes:
A summary of the non-compliance
Identification of the performance requirements under NCC Clause A2G2
Quantitative and qualitative risk assessments
A list of compensatory measures
Justification that the solution maintains or exceeds life safety standards
If you're looking for a fire engineer in Brisbane who can deliver practical fire safety solutions, our experience in preparing fire engineering reports and navigating the performance solution pathway can save your project time, money, and compliance headaches.
What’s in a Fire Engineering Report?
Every fire engineering report we prepare includes:
A summary of the non-compliance
Identification of the performance requirements under NCC Clause A2G2
Quantitative and qualitative risk assessments
A list of compensatory measures
Justification that the solution maintains or exceeds life safety standards
If you're looking for a fire engineer in Brisbane who can deliver practical fire safety solutions, our experience in preparing fire engineering reports and navigating the performance solution pathway can save your project time, money, and compliance headaches.
What’s in a Fire Engineering Report?
Every fire engineering report we prepare includes:
A summary of the non-compliance
Identification of the performance requirements under NCC Clause A2G2
Quantitative and qualitative risk assessments
A list of compensatory measures
Justification that the solution maintains or exceeds life safety standards
If you're looking for a fire engineer in Brisbane who can deliver practical fire safety solutions, our experience in preparing fire engineering reports and navigating the performance solution pathway can save your project time, money, and compliance headaches.
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