The Department of Planning and Environment, together with the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation, have developed draft changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

These proposed changes aim to improve fire safety in the design, consultation and approval of new buildings and building work and maintenance of existing buildings.

The proposed changes are part of the Government’s response to the statutory review of the Building Professionals Act 2005 which was released in September 2016 (see www.bpb.nsw.gov.au/news/strengthening-certification-nsw).

The draft Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Fire Safety and Building Certification) Regulation 2017 is currently on exhibition for feedback. An accompanying commentary is also available that explains the proposed changes.