Your property

The building and planning systems regulate development in areas where there is a bushfire hazard.

These controls aim to make people and buildings safer from the impacts of bushfire.

Learn why and when bushfire controls were introduced

Find information about the regulatory framework

Drawing showing a house with driveway and shed in a rural setting with some trees and hills behind

Be in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA)

Areas that are likely to experience bushfires are designated as Bushfire Prone Areas.

If your property is in a designated bushfire prone area (BPA), your building permit will require that you meet specific construction standards for bushfire protection.

If your development requires a planning permit your planning permit application will need to address the bushfire hazard.

Information about building in the BPA and BPA map updates

Also be in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)

The Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) applies to land that may be significantly affected by extreme bushfires.

If your property is in a BMO, you may need a planning permit if you want to build or develop your land.

Detailed information about building in the BMO

Have access to permit exemptions to clear vegetation

For bushfire protection, a planning permit may not be required for:

Managing vegetation around dwellings and along fence lines

Do bushfire controls apply to your property?

To see if the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), including any schedule and Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) applies to your property:

Use VicPlan to:
- create a free Planning Property Report
- view the BMO and BPA in a custom map.
- More on using VicPlan
Visit your local council office to view the BPA map and BMO planning scheme maps.

Contact your local council for assistance with the planning and building requirements.

Potential and existing owners of property in the BMO and BPA should be aware of any ongoing planning permit obligations on the land

Prepare your property

Property owners can prepare for a bushfire event in other ways, such as knowing the location of their local community safer places, having a bushfire plan or learning about bushfire behaviour. For more information, refer to the weblinks below:

CFA - Plan and prepare for fires

Forest Fire Management Victoria