What does BAL mean for you?

If you are looking at building a new home then you could be familiar with the term Bushfire Assessment Level, more commonly referred to as BAL, and you may have wondered what this means for you. At Jindee we make sure all customers are aware of their potential BAL prior to purchase. This is a relatively new requirement established in 2015 that applies to all lots being renovated or built throughout both metro and regional WA.

BAL Definition

It is in place to protect you, your family and your property. Put simply, BAL is one way of determining the potential severity of bushfire exposure to any building, including new homes. It is then used to establish any requirements for construction to provide protection to the building against bushfire.

BAL Assessments

BAL assessments are undertaken by an accredited Level 1 BAL Assessor or an accredited Bushfire Planning Practitioner. At Jindee, we use Accredited Assessors to provide a BAL assessment of all lots before they are released so you will know the rating for a lot you are looking at the time of purchase. You may then be required to get another assessment when applying for your Building Licence. At each stage of Jindee’s development, there is also a significant cleared buffer area left to assist in lowering BALs. If your building is further than 100 metres away from any classified vegetation the BAL rating will more than likely be BAL – LOW and there will be no special construction requirements. We also have fire hydrants and fire stations readily available, meaning the majority of the estate will be BAL – LOW. If you want to know more general information about BALs you can visit the WA Planning Commission.