We have a side pathway running beside our building from front garden to the back garden, which is the only common area to go back and forth on… we have an owner occupier who insists on putting pot plants along this pathway, and plants even protruding from strata fence, further making pathway even smaller… what are the legal standard requirements for this type of Fire safety situation? – Alan, NSW

Q: I own and live in a 1920/1930 strata block of 4 units. We have our fire extinguishers, fire alarms, doors, etc., checked every year. We have a side pathway running beside our building from front garden to the back garden, which is the only common area to go back and forth on. This pathway is undersized by today's standards, only 92cm at widest point. I would consider this pathway a safety and emergency route for Emergency Services, am I right? The question I want to put to you is: we have an owner occupier who insists on putting pot plants along this pathway, and plants even protruding from strata fence, further making pathway even smaller. This owner has been asked several times to remove said plants, even by Strata Managerment, but refuses to do so, in the safety of all residences and for any tradesmen, or large deliveries etc. What I want to know what are the legal standard requirements for this type of Fire safety situation? I had already asked the Fire Inspector, several times, while they were inspecting the fire Alarms, but they never, ever, got back to me with an answer. So I am now asking you for answers.

A: Ideally there should be other pathways that provide more space for foot traffic and access for emergency services.

If the path in question is part of your evacuation plan it is vital that it remains clear of obstacles that may cause blockages or tripping hazards.

It may be worth trying your Fire Safety Inspector again to assess the issue, or find an alternative inspector for a second opinion. You may also have a by-law registered for your strata scheme that bans obstructing/crowding the evacuation pathways with personal affects such as boxes, bicycles, pot plants, etc.