Consultation on the proposed Compliance Document for simple housing
26 June 2008: The Department of Building and Housing is seeking your comments on the proposed Compliance Document for simple housing.
The objective of the Compliance Document is to provide in one place all the information and requirements necessary to produce a simple, affordable house, making it easier for designers, builders, and building officials to deliver such projects. A further objective is to promote simplification, standardisation and appropriate choice of house sizes. The Compliance Document should especially benefit first home buyers (those in the “starter” market), retirees who are downsizing their property, or anyone who wants a standard, simple house.
The proposed Compliance Document is different from existing Compliance Documents in that it includes all the Building Code requirements for this specific building type, rather than providing a means of compliance with individual Building Code Clause(s). By bringing this information together in a single document, the Compliance Document aims to encourage efficiencies in the delivery of simple houses for which there is an identifiable market need.
The proposed Compliance Document was developed with considerable industry input. The Department has worked closely with its Sector Reference Group, comprising representatives of the industry (including builders, developers and designers), and councils.
A copy of the proposed Compliance Document and details on how to make a submission can be found below. Hard copies will also be sent to a range of stakeholders or can be obtained by ringing 0800 242 243.
Your comments should consider (though need not be limited to):
- the accuracy of the technical information
- the relevance of the information to designers, builders and building officials
- whether there are any clear omissions or redundancies in the document content
- whether you believe there are specific ways the Compliance Document could be improved.
The consultation on the Compliance Document closed on 29 August 2008. The Department will use the first stage of the Starter Homes Design Competition to further inform the development of the Compliance Document.