Fire System (CC) Application for Class 2 Building
Overview
This page describes the fire safety approval process for a Class 2 building (residential apartment building) where the fire safety design incorporates a performance solution under the National Construction Code (NCC). The process is governed by the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 and requires engagement with Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) at both the Construction Certificate (CC) and Occupation Certificate (OC) stages.
CC Stage — Performance-Based Design. When a performance solution is proposed, the fire engineer develops a Performance-Based Design Brief (PBDB) and Fire Engineering Brief (FEB), which are submitted to FRNSW for review before the CC is issued. FRNSW may issue written comments requiring a response; this loop continues until FRNSW raises no further concerns. The fire engineer then prepares a Fire Engineering Report (FER), and the PCA applies to FRNSW for an Initial Fire Safety Report (IFSR). The IFSR confirms whether FRNSW is satisfied that the performance solution meets the relevant fire safety performance requirements and that fire hydrant access is adequate. The CC cannot be issued until this is resolved.
OC Stage — Fire Safety System Verification. Prior to issuing an Occupation Certificate, the PCA must submit a Final Fire Safety Report (FFSR) application to FRNSW. FRNSW conducts a joint site inspection with the developer and returns a Fire Safety System Report (FSSR) confirming that installed fire safety systems perform to the standard set out in the fire safety schedule. If the PCA is not satisfied, a further FRNSW review is requested and the inspection cycle repeats. The OC is granted only once all fire safety requirements are met and a Fire Safety Certificate has been issued.
Applicability note: The PBDB/IFSR process is triggered specifically by the use of a performance solution. The FSSR applies to all Class 2 and Class 3 buildings at OC stage regardless of whether a performance solution was used.
Definitions
| Short | Full name |
|---|---|
| FEB | Fire Engineering Brief |
| PBDB | Performance-Based Design Brief |
| FER | Fire Engineering Report |
| Performance Solution Summary Table | |
| IFSR | Initial Fire Safety Report |
| FFSR | Final Fire Safety Report |
| FSSR | Fire Safety System Report |
| FRNSW | Fire & Rescue New South Wales |
| PCA | Principal Certifying Authority |
Sequence Diagram
Date: 15.08.2025 | Revision: 2507.b