Performance-based design brief consultation
An applicant is required to consult with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) as a stakeholder in the performance-based design brief (PBDB).
When a development proposes to incorporate performance-based design for any fire safety requirement, whether a building design having a performance solution in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 1 (Class 2 to 9 buildings) or other infrastructure where building codes are not applicable, FRNSW must be engaged in the PBDB process as a stakeholder.
For consultations under section 26 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021, FRNSW will notify the person who developed the PBDB (i.e. the applicant) and the building owner within 10 working days if comments will be provided or not. If being provided, FRNSW will endeavour to provide a response within 20 working days after the request was made (i.e. the document receipt date).
The building owner must not implement the performance solution unless FRNSW comments on the PBDB have been received and considered, unless:
(a) FRNSW has failed to notify the building owner within 10 working days after the request was made whether written comments will be provided or not, or
(b) FRNSW has notified the building owner that FRNSW will not be providing comments on the PBDB, or
(c) FRNSW has not provided written comments within 20 working days after the request was made.
FRNSW requires the request for PBDB consultation to be made using the Performance-based design brief (PBDB) consultation form.
Note: The application is to include all relevant information necessary for the consultation, including attachments as identified by the agreement and submission sections on the application form being uploaded to SharePoint; contact FRNSW for a SharePoint access link.
Prior to making any application for PBDB consultation, please ensure that the following position statements are read and understood in order to facilitate a smoother consultation process with FRNSW:
- Consultation on the performance-based design brief (PBDB)
- Fire engineering for existing buildings
- Fire safety study process
Forms
Performance-based design brief (PBDB) consultation (MS Word)
Performance solution summary table (MS Word)
CFD/zone modelling inputs form (MS Word)
What do I get?
The applicant will receive a written report, such as formal comments within the PBDB consultation form, and the option of having a telephone meeting to discuss aspects of advice given by FRNSW.
Note: The telephone meeting will be at the discretion of FRNSW, and the time allocated to any meeting will be based on the advice given.
Costs
The charge applicable is $2,600 for each day (or part of a day) spent by the Commissioner or a fire brigade member providing advisory, assessment or consultancy services.
The applicant has the option of amending the PBDB and resubmitting for new consultation (along with incurring associated charges).
For a full description of the charges applicable including terms, payment options, applying for a waiver or reduction of the charges, please refer to the fees and charges for services page.