Building Code update - November 2020

Posted: 5 November 2020

The November 2020 changes focus on changes to fire safety requirements and surface water drainage, as well as waterproofing in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is proceeding with the majority of changes to the Building Code proposed earlier in the year with some amendments, after receiving mainly positive feedback on the proposed changes.

These improvements affect a number of code clause documents and include changes to fire safety requirements and surface water drainage, as well as waterproofing in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. The changes will support high-density housing, make consenting easier, and ensure buildings are safe, healthy and durable.

Some of the main changes to the code include:

  • a new Acceptable Solution for the design and installation of stormwater drainage systems
  • a new Acceptable Solution for waterproofing in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

During the consultation we received a lot of comments on our proposals for fire testing protocols for cladding systems and firefighting operations, and following this feedback we have decided that more work is needed. BRANZ is conducting some research in this area to help inform MBIE's decisions about how to proceed.

We will be providing a range of education resources and information to the sector to help with the transition before the changes come into effect on 4 November 2021.

In 2021, MBIE will be moving to annual updates of the Building Code. The next consultation opens in April with updates published in November 2021.

Please note - in line with the November 2019 Building Code update, the B1/AS1 requirements for building on liquefaction prone soil will come into force on 28 November 2021.

Changes to the Building Code.

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: