10/30 rule

10/30 rule

The '10/30 rule' allows landowners and residents to clear any vegetation:

• within 10 metres of an existing building
• other than trees within 30 metres of an existing building.

The exemption only applies to buildings:

• located in an area that is designated as a bushfire prone area under the Building Act 1993; and
• used for accommodation, such as a house, that was:
  
  • constructed before 10 September 2009; or
  • approved by a planning permit or a building permit issued before 10 September 2009; or
  • constructed to replace a dwelling or dependent persons unit that was damaged or destroyed by a bushfire that occurred between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2009.

If the building does not meet the dates above, then the exemption does not apply. A planning permit may be required to clear vegetation to create defendable space. For more information about planning permit requirements in your area contact your local council.