Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019

Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019
Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019 (PBP 2019) is
the document prepared by NSW RFS that provides
development standards for designing and building on bush fire prone land in NSW.
All development on bush fire prone land must satisfy the aim and objectives of PBP 2019. Bush fire
protection measures outlined in PBP 2019 include
asset protection zones, access, landscaping, water
supply, building design and construction and
emergency management arrangements. Planning
proposals and development applications must
demonstrate that bush fire protection is provided that is commensurate with the assessed level of bush fire risk and the characteristics of the occupants.

NSWRFS Website       

Planning for Bushfire Protection - Amendment 2022

Addendum to PBP 2022 NCC 2022 (NSW) includes technical provisions relating to the design and construction of buildings on bush fire prone land accommodating vulnerable occupants namely schools, childcare centres, hospitals and residential care buildings (Class 9 buildings).

NSWRFS Website      

Why do I need a Bushfire Attack Level Certificate?

Usually used for Complying development under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and
Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP)
or Chapter 3: Educational Establishments and child
care facilities of State Environmental Planning Policy
(Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 (T&I SEPP) cannot be carried out on land in the two highest risk
categories (BAL-40 and BAL-FZ) of bush fire prone
land.
In certain circumstances, a Bush Fire Attack Level
(BAL) Certificate must be obtained from the local
council or a suitably qualified consultant confirming
that the development is not located in BAL-40 or BAL-FZ. These circumstances are defined in clause 1.19A of the Codes SEPP and section 3.19 of the T&I SEPP.
Additional development standards apply to complying development carried on bush fire prone land under clause 3.4 of the Codes SEPP.

NSW Legislation Website

Why do I need a BAL certificate and a Bushfire Assessment Report - Exempt and Complying Development - Single Dwelling?

Under clause 1.19A, for a development to be Complying Development, it cannot take place on Bushfire prone land that is greater than BAL 29. The BAL certificate confirms The BAL rating for the proposed development only. The additional bushfire standards in clause 3.4 which includes compliance with Planning for Bushfire Protection, also applies to the proposed development. The report component is  to satisfy the reporting for the bushfire planning requirements in accordance with s1.19A and s3.4 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (NSW) and Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019.

NSW Legislation Website

NSWRFS Standards for Asset Protection Zones

An APZ is a buffer zone between a bush fire hazard and buildings. The APZ is designed and managed to minimise fuel loads and reduce potential radiant heat levels, flame, localised smoke and ember attack. The appropriate APZ distance is based on the hazard vegetation type, slope and the nature of the development. The standards for the establishment and maintenance of an APZ are outlined in the NSWRFS Standards for Asset Protection Zones

NSWRFS Website      

National Construction Code

The National Construction Code for Australia is adopted by states and territories, setting minimum requirements for building safety (including Bushfire), health, amenity, accessibility, and sustainability, including new requirements for livable housing design and energy efficiency. The NCC 2022 comprises three volumes: 

• Volume One: Covers the design and construction of Class 2 to 9 buildings, including multi-residential, commercial, industrial, and public assembly buildings, and associated structures.

• Volume Two: Primarily focuses on the design and construction of smaller-scale buildings, including houses, small sheds, carports, and some associated structures. 

• Volume Three: Deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems in new and existing buildings, covering all classes of buildings
  

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Website

NSW RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme  Area Map

The NSW RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme allows residents in designated areas to clear trees within 10 meters and shrubs within 50 meters of their homes without needing council approval, aiming to reduce bushfire risks

NSWRFS Website         

NSWRFS 10/50 VEGETATION CLEARING
CODE OF PRACTICE

The NSW RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme allows residents in designated areas to clear trees within 10 meters and shrubs within 50 meters of their homes without needing council approval, aiming to reduce bushfire risks

NSWRFS Website