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What is an 'other buildings and works' application?

This is the standard BMO application pathway for any development except for subdivision. The other pathways, including development in a BMO schedule or dwellings in an existing settlement, are all modified pathways.

The other buildings and works pathway applies where the application does not meet one of the modified pathways or the pathways is unavailable, for example the site is not in a BMO schedule

All other dwellings

This type of application includes a dwelling that is not in a BMO schedule or does not meet the requirements of a BMO schedule, or a dwelling that does not meet the requirements of a dwelling in an existing settlement.

Speak with your local council if you are unsure if your development is ‘other buildings and works’.

Permit exemptions for all other dwellings

The BMO includes some exemptions from the need to obtain a planning permit. For a list of common exemptions refer to Building in the BMO.

Developments

The standard BMO application process applies to developments including:

  • more than one dwelling on a lot
  • small second dwellings
  • industry, offices, retail premises
  • some outbuildings greater than 100sqm
  • vulnerable land uses, such as education centres, hospitals
  • there are some exemptions for alterations and small extensions in the BMO.

Planning permit application

Council will assess how a proposed development responds to bushfire and applies bushfire protection measures to reduce risk. This means your permit application needs to address certain requirements.

What do I need to address?

Your permit application needs to address:

1. The bushfire hazard

An application must address the bushfire hazard in the surrounding landscape and the bushfire hazard on and near the site. This will help determine if it is appropriate to develop in an area. It will also show if and how risk can be reduced through a design response that includes appropriate bushfire protection measures.

This is done through a bushfire hazard landscape assessment and a bushfire hazard site assessment.

For information on how to prepare the bushfire hazard assessments refer to the:

2. Bushfire protection objectives and measures

Your application should address all relevant objectives in the planning scheme including:

Your application will need to demonstrate that the proposed development meets the state planning policy for bushfire in Clause 13.02-1S.

Key objectives and strategies are:

  • prioritise the protection of human life
  • identify and assess the bushfire hazard
  • as appropriate, locate and design development to respond to identified risk.

The BMO specifies objectives and corresponding design measures in Clause 44.06.

The BMO requires development to:

  • meet the requirements in Clause 53.02 
  • meet mandatory permit conditions for setbacks, bushfire attack level, defendable space vegetation management, static water supply and access
  • be referred to the relevant fire authority - see Clause 66.03

More information:

Note: a schedule to the BMO, or other control, may include different permit exemptions, additional or substitute bushfire protection measures, decision guidelines, referral exemptions and permit conditions.

Clause 53.02 Bushfire Planning works alongside the BMO. It sets out the bushfire protection objectives and design measures that an application must meet including:

  • building siting, design and ability to withstand bushfire attack (BAL)
  • setbacks and defendable space vegetation management requirements
  • on-site water supply
  • emergency services vehicle access.

If you’re in a BMO schedule, it may specify other or additional measures.

More information:

What information do I need to provide?

A planning application must include:

  • bushfire hazard landscape assessment - refer to the Bushfire Hazard Assessments - Guideline
  • bushfire hazard site assessment - refer to the Bushfire Hazard Assessments - Guideline
  • bushfire management statement
  • bushfire management plan (templates below)

Templates

  • Help from a suitably qualified consultant may be necessary, particularly for more complex applications. Your council may be able to recommend someone or you could contact Fire Protection Association Australia for a list of trained professionals. (note: this is not a comprehensive list)
  • Prior to filling in a template, make sure you read the Planning Permit Applications in a Bushfire Management Overlay or Bushfire Prone Area Guideline provided below and do the relevant preparatory work.

How will the council assess the application?

Your local council will assess your application based on the requirements and decision guidelines in the bushfire planning provisions.

The council will consider whether:

  • all required documentation has been provided
  • the proposed development meets the objectives of:
  • risk has been considered and can be mitigated or warrants the development not proceeding
  • the proposed protection measures can be implemented and maintained alongside the ongoing use of the land
  • any other requirements in the planning scheme are met.

Page last updated: 05/05/26