Bushfire requirements

All private bushfire shelters need building and development approval, plus endorsement from the Building Technical Panel, a committee of the State Planning Commission.

No pre-approved products in South Australia

There are currently no accredited or “pre-approved” products (or designs) available in South Australia relating to prefabricated private bushfire shelters. Every shelter must be assessed and approved on a case-by-case basis.

All land within the Adelaide Hills Council area must meet bushfire construction requirements. Even excluded areas require bushfire-fighting facilities if the site is within 500 metres of a high bushfire risk area.

Development applications must satisfy the relevant bushfire provisions in the Planning and Design Code. Habitable structures (such as dwellings, additions, and tourist accommodation) within the Hazard (Bushfire High Risk) Overlay require a mandatory referral to the Country Fire Service (CFS), which has six weeks to assess the application. The CFS has the power of direction, and all conditions imposed must be adhered to.

The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) measures a site’s exposure to ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. It determines the construction requirements for homes in bushfire-prone areas.

Applications in bushfire risk areas must demonstrate compliance with:

• The Building Code for bushfire resistance
• The Ministerial Building Standard MBS-008 Designated Bushfire Prone Area – Additional Requirements (July 2020)

Typical requirements:

• New dwelling: Requires CFS referral for BAL assessment, including MBS-008 conditions and vegetation zone.
• Additions or alterations: May not require CFS referral (depends on size) but could need a private BAL assessment (search online for Bushfire Attack Level assessor).
• Outbuildings, decks, etc.: Often require a private BAL assessment as part of building approval.

Important:

• Before starting, contact the Adelaide Hills Council’s Duty Planner (8408 0400) to check if your proposal constitutes development. This will determine the correct assessment pathway.
• Council cannot provide a BAL number for your property. If your property is in a medium-risk area, you can assume BAL 12.5 as a guide, but this is not an official rating.
• If a BAL assessment is required, residents must arrange their own assessment through a private provider.

For assistance and resources related to planning and building in bushfire-prone areas, please refer to the following contacts and information: