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Simpler application requirements apply, and specified bushfire protection measures must be met.

Speak with your local council if you are unsure if this pathway applies to your development.

When does the single dwellings in an existing settlement pathway apply?

This pathway applies to single dwellings in the following zones:

  • Neighbourhood Residential
  • General Residential
  • Residential Growth
  • Housing Choice and Transport
  • Urban Growth
  • Low Density Residential
  • Township
  • Rural Living .

Find out if your land is in one of the above zones by checking VicPlan.

Do I have to use the specified bushfire protection measures?

You do not have to use the specified bushfire protection measures.

An application that does not meet all the bushfire protection measures will be assessed under a standard assessment pathway and will require referral to the local fire authority.

For more information refer to Other buildings and works.

Planning permit application

The application is required to address the bushfire protection objectives and design measures set out in clause 53.02-3 Dwellings in existing settlements – Bushfire protection objective in your local council planning scheme. This clause works alongside the BMO.

An application must meet all the approved bushfire protection measures for:

  • building siting
  • building setback
  • bushfire attack level (BAL)
  • defendable space vegetation management requirements
  • on-site static water supply
  • vehicle access.

For more information on design measures refer to Clause 53.02-3 Bushfire Planning - dwellings in existing settlements - Bushfire protection objective.

What information do I need to provide?

An application must provide a:

  • bushfire hazard site assessment
  • bushfire management statement
  • bushfire management plan

No bushfire hazard landscape assessment is required.

Use the template to fill in the relevant information, prepare a bushfire management statement and submit the documents to your local council.

Templates

  • Help from a suitably qualified bushfire professional may be necessary, particularly for more complex applications. 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 my application be assessed?

Your local council will assess your application based on the requirements and decision guidelines in the bushfire planning provisions, including whether:

  • all required documentation has been provided
  • the proposed development meets the objectives of the BMO and clause 53.02
  • risk had 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