When do I need a build over sewer application?
Sometimes called 'build over easement', 'build near sewer', 'build over asset', 'build over infrastructure' or 'build over stormwater', the term varies depending on your council or water authority. They all relate to obtaining permission to carry out construction or earthworks over or adjacent to council or water authority pipes.
Build Over Sewer
'Build over' approvals, guidelines and inspections are in place to protect sewer and water assets from damage which could affect many properties and homes. These processes also avoid the cost and inconvenience to the applicant/builder/homeowner of removing structures which may impede access to a sewer or water asset for later maintenance.
The need for 'build over' application or approval varies from building within 1 metre to building within 10 metres of council or water authority infrastructure depending on where you are in the country.
The sewer and/or water assets in question may be located on easements or within your property area. It's important to check when carrying out any building work, not just work which extends outside your boundaries.
Build-over application can apply to many types of construction work such as:
- houses, units, flats - habitable structures
- garages, carports, sheds
- brick fences
- retaining walls
- driveways, paving
- swimming pools, spas, saunas
- water tanks - above ground
- tennis courts, bowling greens
- utilities - gas, electricity, telecommunications, property drains
- commercial, industrial, public and sporting buildings
Excavation or landscaping work can also require 'build over' approval.
Unitywater, which is responsible for the sewage and water supply in the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regional council areas, states these instances in which build-over approval is needed.
- Where driven piles or piers are located within 10 metres of Unitywater infrastructure;
- Where any building or structure is deemed to be within the “zone of influence” of Unitywater infrastructure;
- Where earthworks are directly over or will affect the structural integrity of Unitywater infrastructure;
- Where bored excavations for piers or footings are located within the “zone of influence*” of Unitywater infrastructure;
- Where the width of the access path from the front boundary to any access hole or sewer property connection located on the property is less than 3 metres;
- Where the vertical height to finished surface over Unitywater infrastructure will be reduced to less than 2.0 metres;
- Where the clearance from Unitywater infrastructure to a fence, building or other structure will be reduced to less than 1.5 metres.
For more information on the requirements in your area visit your local council or water authority website.
CCTV Survey Reports
Brisbane City Council requires a CCTV inspection pre and post-construction to show the condition of the relevant pipe in their Build Over Infrastructure (including stormwater and sewer) requirements. The CCTV survey report can also provide information about the stormwater or sewer pipes including pipe dimensions, maintenance holes and sewer connections all of which are needed by BCC.
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