Building laws and codes

Current laws and regulations

Find repealed or previous reprint editions of Queensland legislation.

Current codes and standards

Queensland Development Code

The Queensland Development Code consolidates Queensland-specific building standards into a single document and covers Queensland matters outside the scope of, and in addition to, the Building Code of Australia.

National Construction Code

The National Construction Code (NCC) provides the minimum necessary requirements for safety, health, amenity and sustainability in the design and construction of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia.

The NCC includes:

  • Building Code of Australia (BCA), Volume 1, for Class 2 to 9 buildings (commercial, industrial and multi-residential buildings)
  • Building Code of Australia (BCA), Volume 2, for Class 1 and 10 buildings (houses, sheds and carports)
  • Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), Volume 3, for plumbing and drainage for all classes of buildings.

National Construction Code 2022

The National Construction Code 2022 commenced on 1 May 2023, with the phase-in of the Modern Homes provisions for liveable (accessible) housing commencing on 1 October 2023. The Modern Homes' energy efficiency changes commenced on 1 May 2024.

National Construction Code 2025

The Australian Building Codes Board published the National Construction Code 2025 on 1 May 2026, however the Queensland Government has delayed the commencement of NCC 2025 until 1 May 2027.

Until then, the NCC 2022 will continue to apply to building and plumbing work in Queensland. This will give industry more time to prepare and adapt to the changes introduced by NCC 2025.

Find out more about the delayed commencement of NCC 2025.

Building certification

Most types of building work require development approval before construction begins. Find out more about building approval and certification.