Understanding the BAL Report Assessment Process
The BAL Report Assessment Process with a Site Plan:
- Submit a Site Plan: Show your lot and the proposed dwelling, including its dimensions and setback distances to lot boundaries.
- Conduct a BAL Assessment: A bushfire assessor evaluates the proposed dwelling location to provide a BAL rating.
- Prepare Additional Documentation: If the site is determined to be BAL-40 or BAL-FZ or located in a control zone, provide a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) or Bushfire Management Statement (BMS) for submission to the Local Government Authority (LGA).
- Modify Vegetation: After receiving LGA approval, modify the vegetation within the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) as specified by the BMP or BMS.
- Perform Final Inspection and Certification: Inspect the site, including the modified APZ. If deemed BAL-29 or less, issue a new BAL Report and Certificate for Building Permit Approval.
The BAL Report Assessment Process Without a Site Plan:
- Provide General Location: Offer a general or preferred location or Building Envelope for the dwelling and structures within the lot, including approximate dimensions if possible.
- Issue BAL Contour Map: The bushfire consultant issues a BAL contour map showing the buildable area within the lot at BAL-29 or less (example at the bottom of the page).
- Source a Detailed Site Plan: Obtain a site plan that includes the Class 1a dwelling located on the lot, with the dwelling’s dimensions and setback distances to the lot boundaries.
- Create BAL Assessment Report/Certificate: Prepare a BAL Assessment Report and Certificate for the lot.
- Prepare Additional Documentation: If needed, develop a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) or Bushfire Management Statement (BMS).
- Submit to LGA: Submit the BAL Report and BMS/BMP with your application to the Local Government Authority (LGA).
- Modify Vegetation: After receiving LGA approval, clear or modify vegetation within the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) as required by the BMP or BMS.
- Perform Final Inspection and Certification: Inspect the site, including the modified APZ. If deemed BAL-29 or less, issue a new BAL Report and Certificate for Building Permit Approval.
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