Understanding Building Code Clause D1
The Building Code sets performance criteria that building work must achieve. The Building Code does not prescribe how the building should be constructed, but states how the completed building must perform. The Building Act 2004 requires certain buildings to be accessible for people with disabilities, and these buildings must meet the building code's performance criteria relating to accessibility.
Clause D1 Access Routes is the clause of the Building Code relevant to car parking.
Clause D1.1 includes the Objective to:
- ensure people with disabilities are able to enter and carry out normal activities and functions within buildings.
This Objective, as well as the Performance criteria quoted below, applies to the types of buildings to which section 118 of the Building Act applies, and includes those buildings listed in Schedule 2 of the Act.
Clause D1.2.2 includes the Functional Requirement, applying to all buildings, that:
- where a building is provided with loading or parking spaces, they shall be constructed to permit safe and easy unloading and movement of vehicles, and to avoid conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.
Clause D1.3.2 has a Performance criterion:
- At least one access route shall have features to enable people with disabilities to approach the building from the street boundary, or where required to be provided, the building car park.
Clause D1.3.6 is an additional parking Performance criterion for vehicle spaces used by people with disabilities:
- Vehicle spaces for use by people with disabilities, shall, in addition to the requirements of D1.3.5 [which includes appropriate dimensions, crossfall and slope] be:
- Provided in sufficient numbers
- Located to avoid conflict between vehicles and people using or moving to or from the space, and
- Easy to find as required by Clause F8 Signs.