Procedure for modifying Your Asset Protection Zone (APZ)
After the Local Government Authority approves your Asset Protection Zone (APZ), you must modify the upper canopy cover within the APZ to comply with the Schedule 1 Standards for APZ’s. Reduce the upper canopy cover to 10-15%, considering the trees at full maturity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Complying with APZ Standards
1. Maintain a 3m Defendable Space
Ensure there is a 3-meter defendable space around your dwelling to allow firefighters unrestricted access.
2. Remove Trees Over 6m Close to the Dwelling
Trees that grow higher than 6 meters cannot be located within 6 meters of the dwelling. Measure this distance to the trunks of the trees.
Example: For a 20m APZ with a 6m buffer around the proposed dwelling, mark trees that will exceed 6m in maturity and need removal.
3. Calculate Upper Canopy Cover
Determine the overall size of the APZ, excluding the dwelling. For example, if the APZ size is 2800m², then 10% upper canopy cover would be 280m².
Focus on removing trees that are:
- Grouped together with connecting canopies
- Sick or degraded
- Located in areas designated for driveways
4. Ensure Compliance with Specific Standards
Refer to the Trees >6m in height section under Schedule 1 Standards:
- Branches cannot overhang the dwelling (2m separation required).
- Lower branches, bark, and fuels need to be removed up to 2m height across the entire APZ.
- Shrubs and scrub under trees should also be removed.
5. Secondary BAL Assessment
After you fully modify your site-specific APZ, request that your Bushfire Consultant conduct a secondary BAL Assessment to issue a Version Two BAL Report and Certificate for building permit approval.
Resources
Download our WA Fire & Safety Standards for APZ’s Visual Guide
This guide provides physical examples of good and bad vegetation inside the APZ
Further information
Please ask our AI assistant on the web page for general advice as she is loaded with all the documentation and answers you should need:
or call Claire on 0473078179 or you can ring Dwayne Griggs anytime on 0415684681
More information is available from you local government you can find their contact details on the WALGA list.