Welcome to Bushfire Design Solutions

 

I have over 20 years of experience in design and construction, primarily as an engineer working on mining infrastructure projects. I became interested in Bushfire Planning and Design (BPAD) when I was managing the construction of mining accommodation villages, and when I was designing my own holiday house in Preston Beach.

I started Bushfire Design Solutions to provide quality BAL Assessments, and to use my in-depth knowledge of building design, approvals and construction to help you achieve an optimal site layout and building design.

I consult with clients in Perth, Mandurah and surrounding suburbs. Feel free to contact me with any questions you have regarding BAL Assessment and BPAD.

 

Tara Delane 

Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

 

Services

BAL Assessments

 

I am FPA Australia accredited to undertake Level 1 BAL Assessments in accordance with AS 3959.

 

The process involves the following:

  1. A desktop review of the proposed site layout and floor plans, using aerial imagery.
  2. A site visit to map exclusion zones and different vegetation classifications, and to measure the slope of the land.
  3. Upload information gathered from the site visit to FireMaps (specialist GIS software), and use AS 3959 to determine the BAL.
  4. Produce a BAL Assessment Report and BAL Certificate to determine BCA construction requirements, and for inclusion in your Development Approval and / or Building License application(s).

 

A Level 1 BAL Assessment is sufficient for most residential sites however if your site has a slope greater than 20 degrees, you may need a Level 2 Assessment. 

Design Review

 

Following on from your BAL Assessment, I am available to work with you to review your site layout and building floor plans, to determine if there are any changes that can be made to reduce your BAL or other construction costs.

 

I can provide a fee proposal for this service, to suit your specific requirements, upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BAL Assessment?

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) sets out the minimum technical requirements for design and construction of all new building work in Western Australia (including additions or alterations to existing buildings). The BCA includes specific bushfire requirements for certain residential buildings in bushfire prone areas.

A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment is a site specific assessment, undertaken in accordance with AS 3959, that takes into consideration a number of factors; including the slope of the land, types of surrounding vegetation and its proximity to any other buildings or structures on the site. 

A BAL Assessment will produce a Report and Certificate that will assign one of six BALs; the level determines which specific bushfire requirements in the BCA your new building work must comply with.

  • BAL-LOW - very low risk (bushfire resistant construction is not required)
  • BAL-12.5 - low risk
  • BAL-19 - moderate risk
  • BAL-29 - high risk
  • BAL-40 - very high risk
  • BAL-FZ - extreme risk (Flame Zone)

When do I need a BAL Assessment?

Your Registered Builder and Local Government will assist you to determine the approvals you require. In general:

  • You will need a BAL assessment if you are in a Bushfire Prone Area.
  • If your land size is greater than 1,100m2, you will need a BAL Report and Certificate included as part of your Planning Approval (also known as Development Approval) application.
  • If your land size is less than 1,100m2, you will need a BAL Report and Certificate included as part of your Building Permit application.

How do I know if I am in a Bushfire Prone Area?

The Map of Bushfire Prone Areas identifies land that has been designated as a bushfire prone area by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). You can view the Map on the DFES website:

www.dfes.wa.gov.au/bushfireproneareas 

When you contact me and provide a site address, the first thing I will do is check if you are in a Bushfire Prone Area. If you are outside of the Bushfire Prone Area, a BAL Assessment is not required.

How much does a BAL Assessment cost?

A fixed price of $450.00 (GST not applicable) to undertake a Level 1 BAL Assessment and provide you with a Assessment Report and BAL Certificate. 

A fixed price of $150.00 (GST not applicable) to undertake a desktop only review of aerial imagery and other GIS and provide you with a memo identifying potential BPAD issues relating to a property ($50.00 per additional property when review is undertaken in parallel).

Can I get a BAL Assessment for land I am looking to purchase?

It's a good idea to get a BAL Assessment prior to purchasing a property. The BAL may have a significant impact on the layout of your building and the cost of construction. 

Request a Quote

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