Summary
- CFA provides referral advice to councils on planning permit applications for subdivision.
- Residential subdivision should ensure fire truck access and fire hydrants are provided.
- The planning scheme requires subdivision in the BMO implement bushfire protection measures.
- You can apply for a CFA Statement of Compliance using the form on this page.
CFA's role in subdivision applications
- Subdivision generally increases the number of people living in a community.
- Good subdivision design is an effective way of reducing risk in the event of a fire.
- In many instances, CFA is a referral authority for subdivision under section 55 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
- As a referral authority CFA provides advice to councils regarding a proposed subdivision’s compliance with the planning scheme requirements for both bush and structure fire.
- In many instance, subdivision in the BMO will need to provide a perimeter road.
- A planning application for a subdivision in the BMO will need to show that new lots can implement bushfire protection measures such as defendable space, access and water supply.
- Residential subdivision of lots with more than one dwelling should ensure fire truck access and water supply (via fire hydrants) are available.
Resources
Vehicle access and water supply requirements in residential developments
This guideline is a planning tool for developers, councils and consultants involved in the design and approval of lower rise residential developments that don't exceed 3 storeys in height.
It outlines objectives, how to achieve those objectives and CFA’s preferred requirements. Proposed development should be designed to meet our preferred requirements. Complying with our preferred requirements can reduce the time required to process the application.
Circumstances when CFA has a formal referral role
CFA has a statutory referral role for two categories of subdivision. These are described below.
Subdivision in the Bushfire Management Overlay
All applications for subdivision in the Bushfire Management Overlay are referred to CFA.
Subdivisions that create a road
CFA has a role in ensuring that emergency access and water supply is available for new communities, as set out in Clause 56.09 of the planning scheme. The majority of subdivisions will meet the requirements, but if not, Council will refer the application to CFA for advice.
Other subdivision proposals
There are a number of subdivisions that don't need to be referred to CFA for comment. In these circumstances CFA still has some interest given our role in responding to emergencies in new communities.
A multi-dwelling development is the construction of two or more dwellings on a lot where no subdivision is proposed.
Designs for multi-dwelling developments should ensure fire trucks can access buildings and a suitable water supply for fire fighting.
You can find CFA's requirements in the document below.
Resources
Planning requirements for fire safety in multi-dwelling developments
This factsheet CFA's expectation for emergency vehicle access and fire hydrant requirements in multi-dwelling developments (two or more dwellings on a lot).
Request a CFA Statement of Compliance
You can apply for a CFA Statement of Compliance using the Application for Statement of Compliance Form (PDF 1020.6KB).
It must be submitted with supporting documentation, hydrant location plan and a copy of the planning permit referencing CFA conditions.
Email completed applications to to the Fire Safety Referral administration team at firesafetyreferrals@cfa.vic.gov.au
Page last updated: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 4:52:57 PM