Effective April 2016, it became mandatory for most developments located in a bushfire prone region to have a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment conducted. The BAL is a measure of a building’s exposure to the bushfire including radiant heat, ember attack and direct fire contact.
In conducting the BAL assessment consideration is given to the location site proximity to vegetation and slope of the land.
All residential building works including new dwellings, additions, decks and carports located in a designated bushfire area, with a Bushfire Management Overlay under the Planning Scheme, must have a BAL Assessment as part of their documentation for building approval.
