Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessments for Residential and Commercial Projects
Get the right BAL assessment to support your building permit and meet bushfire safety requirements in Victoria’s designated zones.
Do You Need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment?
Understand your site’s risk and what it means for your build
If your property is located in a Bushfire Prone Area, a BAL assessment is essential for your building permit. It determines the level of bushfire risk on your site and outlines construction requirements for your project. We assess your property in line with current Victorian regulations and provide the right documentation for a smooth permit process.
Why Choose Us For Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessments
• Fast turnaround on assessments and reports
• Conducted by experienced, qualified assessors
• Fully compliant with Australian Standard AS 3959
• Clear guidance on what your BAL rating means
• Local knowledge of Gippsland and South East Victoria’s bushfire zones
When Is a BAL Assessment Required?
Mandatory for construction in Bushfire Prone Areas (BPAs)
• For new residential or commercial dwellings in a BPA
• When adding extensions or alterations to existing buildings
• As part of your building permit documentation
• When required by council or referral authority
• To support planning permit applications in bushfire-prone zones
Not sure what's next? Give us a call or send us your plans and we’ll advise you on the next steps.
Our Process
Our work spans everything from backyard builds to large commercial developments across Gippsland, and South East Victoria.
Site Location and Overlay Review
We check whether your property falls within a designated Bushfire Prone Area and determine any applicable overlays.
On-Site Inspection (if required)
For complex sites or where access is needed, we conduct a detailed site assessment of vegetation, slope and distance.
BAL Rating Report
We assign a BAL rating (e.g. BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, etc.) and provide a detailed report you can submit with your permit application.
Construction Guidance
We advise on any construction or material requirements based on your BAL rating so you can plan accordingly.
What You'll Need To Provide
To get started, you’ll typically need:
• Site address and title details
• Site plan or building plans (if available)
• Zoning or planning overlay information (if known)
• Access for inspection (if required)
• Details of proposed build (dwelling, extension, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BAL rating?
A BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating determines the level of bushfire risk on your site and what construction standards must be met to reduce that risk.
Is a BAL assessment the same as a bushfire management statement (BMS)?
No. A BAL assessment determines your site’s bushfire risk, while a BMS may be required under planning schemes and includes broader bushfire management measures.
Can I build in a high BAL zone?
Yes, but additional construction requirements apply. BAL assessments help you understand these requirements and plan your build accordingly.
Do I always need a site inspection?
Not always. Many BAL assessments can be completed using aerial imagery and planning tools unless site-specific factors require inspection.
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