Building In Areas Of Landslip, Subsidence & RockfallIncluding Hillside Building Guidelines

Landslips, subsidences & rockfalls pose a significant hazard and risk to development / persons in areas subject to such hazard; as such, where planning authorities have an Environmental Planning Instrument with associated “hazard map”, this map & the associated “risk assessment” is used to assist in the evaluation of a particular development. This paper describes some of the risks associated with residential and low rise building works in areas identified as having a landslip, subsidence or rockfall hazard [including cliff lines & coastal cliffs] and provides some guidelines on preferred methods of building in such areas. The paper also discusses some of the practical issues relating to the planning & approval processes.

The guidelines provided are based on over 70 years of combined experience with slope stability & subsidence issues in relation to building & engineering construction.