Bushfire Compliance– October 3rd 2018 An expert eye on meeting bushfire safety criteria the first time

Saving time - streamlined building approvals Resources BCC Bushfire Overlay Resources BAL Attack levels and info MP2.4 Qld standards AWA Guide – windows and doors in bushfire prone areas Logan City overlay codes Moreton Bay Region Bushfire Overlay Building approval A retaining wall is regarded as a 'class 10b' (non-habitable) structure under the Building Code of Australia (forming Volumes 1 and 2 of the National Construction Code). According to Queensland building regulations, you do not need building approval for a retaining wall if it fulfils the following criteria: there is no 'surcharge loading' over the 'zone of influence' for the wall (refer to definitions in the Building Regulation 2006 (Schedule 1 Section 3)) the total height of the wall and of the fill or cut retained by the wall is no more than one metre above the wall's natural ground surface the wall is no closer than 1.5 metres to a building or another retaining wall it does not form part of the fencing for a pool. If your project does not meet all of these requirements, you must prepare a building application and have it approved by a building certifier. You must give the certifier scaled and detailed plans prepared by a draftsperson or architect. The Queensland Development Code recommends that retaining walls up to one metre that require filling or excavation are constructed in accordance with an accepted industry standard publication, depending on the materials used to construct it (e.g. timber, concrete masonry). ​​The code also requires minimum clearances from roads and side and rear boundaries. Your certifier can seek an alternative setback from the front, side or rear boundary by applying for a siting variation.

Construction in bushfire prone areas Bernard Trembath BAL requirements related to BCC and surrounding councils Overcoming common challenges Site inspections- what to expect Fire safety standards open for public comment – updates Designing bushfire safe homes and buildings in Queensland – tips/ tricks AS3959 Construction in bushfire prone areas

Additional resources Timber Qld design guide Information for home owners – rural fire service Bushfire shelters Queensland Globe Calculator tool Colourbond Fact sheet Arcpanel whitepaper

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