Do I need a Bush Fire Assessment Report or a Bushfire Attack Level Certificate?
🔥 New to Developing? We’re Here to Help
Starting a development project can feel overwhelming — especially when you discover you need a Bushfire Assessment Report or a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Certificate, and you’re not familiar with these terms.
How do you know which document you need?
Which one is right for your project?
At Bushfire Consulting Services, we’re here to make it simple.
Our friendly and experienced team is happy to discuss your project, explain the differences between a BAL Certificate and a Bush Fire Assessment Report, and guide you through the advantages and requirements of each — so you can move forward with confidence.
No jargon, no confusion — just clear, expert advice from people you can trust.
🏡 What is a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?
Most people initially seek approval for their project through the Complying Development pathway.
This process is often referred to as a CDC, which stands for Complying Development Certificate.
In simple terms, Complying Development is development that meets specific standards set out in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.
Because it follows clear guidelines, a CDC can be fast-tracked and approved more quickly than a standard development application (DA).
Key points about a CDC:
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Applications can be determined either by your local Council or a Registered Certifier,
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It provides a combined planning and construction approval, making it perfect for straightforward projects,
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No full development application is required, helping to save time and reduce paperwork.
To begin, you can approach your local Council, or to find a Registered Certifier in your area, visit the NSW Department of Fair Trading website here and carry out a search.
At Bushfire Consulting Services, we regularly assist clients preparing for CDC applications — especially on bushfire-prone land, where a BAL Certificate or a Bushfire Assessment Report may be required as part of your application.
🔥 Understanding BAL Certificates, Bushfire Assessment Reports, and Your Development Options
If you’re applying for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) on bushfire-prone land, a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) Certificate must be issued by either:
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An Accredited Bushfire Consultant, or
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Your local Council.
However, there are a number of reasons why a CDC might not be possible — one of the most common being that the bushfire risk is too high.
If this happens, you will need to lodge a Development Application (DA) with your local Council instead, and you will require a Bush Fire Assessment Report to support it.
It’s important to know that granny flats and dual occupancy developments are unlikely to be approved if the assessed Bushfire Attack Level exceeds BAL 29.
🛡️ What is a BAL Certificate?
A BAL Certificate:
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Confirms that your development is not located in BAL-40 or Flame Zone (the highest bushfire danger zones),
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Identifies the Bushfire Attack Level applicable to your development, and
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Explains how the BAL was determined using the guidelines set out in Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019.
🛡️ What is a Bush Fire Assessment Report?
A Bush Fire Assessment Report goes beyond a simple BAL Certificate.
It:
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Includes a BAL determination, and
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Assesses your full development proposal against the Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019 requirements issued by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
You can read more about the official bushfire planning guidelines here.
🏗️ Building to Bushfire Standards
The specific construction requirements for each Bushfire Attack Level are set out in Australian Standard AS 3959–2018 – Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas.
If you would like your own copy, it can be purchased from SAI Global here.
📞 Need Help? We’re Only a Call Away!
If this still sounds confusing, don’t worry — we’re here to make it simple.
Give our friendly team at Bushfire Consulting Services a call on:
0425 833 893, or
02 4744 5800
We’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through your bushfire compliance needs with clear, dependable advice.