Sydney, when viewed from above, is lined by spectacular harbour foreshore and bushland. These areas are considered Bushfire Prone Areas.
For safety reasons, authorities have a compliance plan for Councils, NSW fire authorities, builders and certifiers to follow.
If you are planning a home renovation, you will have to submit your plan to the authorities.
Therefore, you need to obtain approval to renovate in Bushfire Prone Areas.
Who are the authorities?
NSW Rural Fire Service, Council, and State Government.
Exempt Development
Under Exempt Development in bushfire areas minor work can be performed e.g. constructing a deck or minor repairs, only if all conditions are complied with.
Complying Development
A home extension or a second storey addition requires certification. A complying development certificate is a fast-track approval process for renovations that meet specific criteria.
Following an assessment by a Bushfire Consultant with accreditation by NSW Rural Fire Service; if your property meets the following regulations:
- having a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) between BAL-Low and BAL-29
- having a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate (stating that you are eligible for Complying Development),
then your project is eligible to be assessed under State Government regulations for a Complying Development Approval.
Development Application
If your property has a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of either BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) or BAL-40 by the Bushfire Consultant you must apply for a Development Application (DA) to your Local Council.
You cannot use Complying Development in these two situations.
What you need to do
Firstly, engage a Designer with experience in crafting design solutions for homes in Bushfire Prone Areas. Someone who is familiar with the latest updates in regulations and knowledge about the many options for building materials.
Secondly, your designer will coordinate obtaining a BAL rating from a qualified and registered Bushfire Consultant.
Martin Kolarik Home Design specialises in home renovation designs in Bushfire prone areas. We have completed many such projects specifically in Sydney’s Northern Council areas such as Ku-ring-gai Council, Lane Cove Council and Willoughby Council.
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