Regulations & Inspections
CFA has general responsibilities for the prevention and suppression of building fires in accordance with the CFA Act 1958. However, CFA is also a statutory reporting authority in accordance with the Building Regulations 2006 and a consultative authority in accordance with the Residential Tenancies (Caravan Parks and Movable Registration and Standards) Regulations 1999.
Regulation 309 Consent
In accordance with regulation 109 of the Building Regulations 2006, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) is adopted by and forms part of the regulations. The BCA sets the minimum requirements for building construction.
In accordance with regulation 309 of the Building Regulations 2006, if any of the following prescribed fire safety matters do not meet the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the BCA (i.e. are proposed to be less than the minimum requirements) the Consent of the Chief Officer must be obtained prior to a Building Permit being issued.
- fire hydrants;
- fire hose reels;
- fire control centres or fire control rooms;
- fire precautions during constructions;
- fire mains;
- control valves;
- booster assemblies;
- emergency vehicle access;
- fire indicator panels
- proscenium curtain drencher systems;
- fire services controls in passenger lift cars;
It should be noted that the Chief Officer is not obligated to Consent and Delegated Officers in CFA Region offices assess each application on its merits.
How to apply for a regulation 309 Consent
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Complete Regulation 309 & 1003 Chief Officers Consent & Report Application Form - pdf 167k or
Word version - doc 466k as applicable
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Forward application to the relevant CFA Region office (contact details are included on the last page of the application form).
Regulation 309A
On 1 September 2009, the Building Amendment (Bushfire Construction) Further Interim Regulations 2009 were introduced. These amendments to the Building Regulations 2006 effectively introduced three new regulations.
- Regulation 808 - Water supply for fire fighting purposes
- Regulation 809 - Access for emergency vehicles
Regulation 309A - Requirements for permits involving bushfire safety matters
These regulations only relate to Class 1a buildings proposed to be constructed on the same allotment as a Class 1a buildings that was destroyed in the bushfires between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2009.
If regulation 808 and/or 809 is not proposed to be met, the Chief Officers consent may be sought in accordance with regulation 309A. It should be noted that the Chief Officer is not obligated to Consent and Delegated Officers in CFA Region offices assess each application on its merits.
How to apply for a regulation 309A Consent
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Complete Regulation 309A & 1003 Chief Officers Consent & Report Application Form - pdf 160k or
Word version - doc 459k as applicable.
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Forward application to the relevant CFA Region office (contact details are included on the last page of the application form).
Regulation 1003
Where an Occupancy Permit is required for a building project and the Chief Officers Consent was obtained at Building Permit stage (309 or 309A Consent), regulation 1003 requires the Chief Officers Report to be applied for. This report confirms that variations consented to have been implemented to the Chief Officers satisfaction.
A Report in accordance with regulation 1003 is also required where an application for an Occupancy Permit relates to the transmission signal of required alarms being connected to a fire station or other approved monitoring service.
How to apply for a regulation 1003 Report
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Complete Regulation 309 & 1003 Chief Officers Consent & Report Application Form - pdf 167k | Word version - doc 466k or
Regulation 309A & 1003 Chief Officers Consent & Report Application Form - pdf 160k | Word version - doc 459k as applicable.
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Forward application to the CFA Region office that processed the associated 309 Consent application or relevant CFA Region office (contact details are included on the last page of the application form).
Caravan Park Fire Safety
In accordance with the Residential Tenancies (Caravan Parks and Movable Dwellings Registration and Standards) Regulations 1999, Councils must consult CFA regarding certain fire safety matters in caravan parks.
CFA Officers use the CFA Caravan Park Fire Safety Guidelines - pdf 1282k to assess new and existing caravan parks whether applications are referred by Councils or requested separately by caravan park owners / operators.
Upon application, CFA will assess and report on fire safety in individual caravan parks including associated emergency management plans.
How to apply for a Caravan Park Fire Safety Inspection
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Complete Application for Caravan Park Inspection - pdf 144k or
Word version - doc 437k as applicable
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Attached caravan park emergency management plan
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Forward application to the relevant CFA Region office (contact details are included on the last page of the application form)
General Fire Safety Inspections
In addition, the Chief Officer has the power to inspect existing buildings and identify any issues associated with maintenance of essential safety measures and recommend fire safety elements are upgraded or modified.
Typically these inspections are programmed based on risk and resource allocation and coordinated proactively in conjunction with Councils Municipal Building Surveyor.
How to apply for a Fire Safety Inspection Report
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Complete Application for Fire Safety Inspection - pdf 148k or
Word version - doc 440k as applicable
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Attach plans of the site / premises
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Forward application to the relevant CFA Region office (contact details are included on the last page of the application form
For further advice regarding regulatory fire safety matters, CFA recommends that you contact a registered building practitioner in the category of Building Surveyor or Fire Safety Engineer in the first instance.
Additional concerns in relation to general fire safety matters in existing buildings may be reported to the Fire Safety Officer at your local CFA Region office.
For more information, contact the Fire Safety section at CFA HQ
or the Fire Safety Officer at your local CFA
Region office.
