Are you thinking of building in a Bushfire Prone Area?

Here are answers to some of the most common queries:

Q. If I am building a new house in a Bushfire Prone Area, does it need to meet any special design requirements?

Yes.  If you build within a Bushfire Prone Area, your home will need to be designed in accordance with AS3959 - Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas.

Q. Do I need to upgrade my existing house if it is located in a bushfire prone area?

No, you do not.

Q. My house has been built to comply with bushfire prone requirements, but now I want to renovate. What do I need to do?

The renovation work will also need to comply with bushfire prone construction requirements.

Q. How can I find out what bushfire protection is necessary for my new house?

The Building Surveyor who issues your  building permit will need to visit your property to establish the minimum level of fire construction.

Q. What regulations determine bushfire prone requirements?

AS 3959 1999 Incorporating Amendments 1 & 2.

For further information regarding requirements to build in these areas please contact the Building Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

Links to other websites 

Country Fire Authority - You can visit the CFA website for further information on fire safety for you and your property.

Department of Planning and Community Development - The Bushfire rating of your property can be found at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/bushfireproneareas