Building in bushfire prone land
Bush Fire Prone Land Maps are certified by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). The most recent map was updated and certified by the NSW RFS on 20 May 2026 and applies to all planning certificates and development assessments from this date (inclusive).
Please note that it may take 2–6 weeks from this date for updates to appear on the NSW RFS and NSW Planning Portal mapping tools from the date of certification.
The updated mapping may affect information shown on Section 10.7 Planning Certificates. Certificates issued prior to 20 May 2026 may not reflect the current bush fire prone status.
Development on bush fire prone land may require referral to the NSW RFS under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and must be assessed in accordance with Planning for Bush Fire Protection.
You can view Shellharbour LGA bush fire prone maps by using our online mapping tool or by visiting the RFS website.
What is a Bush Fire Prone Land Map?
These maps identify land at risk of bush fire. They are prepared by councils and certified by the NSW Rural Fire Service to guide planning and building requirements.
Why have the maps changed?
Bush Fire Prone Land maps are reviewed regularly (a minimum of every five years) to reflect updated data.
The 2025 update (certified on 20 May 2026) includes improved vegetation mapping and refined bush fire risk across Shellharbour.
As a result, your property may now be:
- newly identified as bush fire prone
- no longer classified as bush fire prone
- reclassified within a different category
How are grasslands mapped and managed?
Grass fires can spread quickly and are often unpredictable. Bush fire construction standards, including for grasslands, are set out in Australian Standard AS 3959 – Construction of Buildings in Bush Fire Prone Areas. The NSW Rural Fire Service Planning for Bush Fire Protection guidelines align with this standard.
Grasslands are included in bush fire prone land mapping where they are capable of sustaining fire and posing a risk to life and property. Unmanaged grasslands are defined as grassed areas capable of sustaining a fire. Managed grasslands include regularly maintained grass (generally kept below 10 cm), such as lawns, parks, sporting fields and similar areas.
How can I check if my property is affected?
You can:
- view mapping using Council’s online mapping tool or by visiting the NSW RFS website
- request a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate for formal confirmation
Will this affect my insurance?
Insurance providers assess risk differently, so impacts will vary. Contact your insurer directly for advice about your policy. If your insurance company is not helpful, you can go to the Insurance Council of Australia.
Will this affect my application to build?
If your property is bush fire prone:
- you’ll need to lodge a Bush Fire Assessment Report with your Development Application
- additional requirements may apply depending on your proposal
For single dwellings, you can complete your own report using the Single Dwellings Applications Kit. Other developments may require a certificate from a qualified consultant.
More information
For information relating to bush fire prone land and the requirements for future Development Applications please contact Councils Senior Customer Service Team on 4221 6111.