Building requirements

Works near, on or above our assets must meet our technical requirements. Structures built near our assets must meet our foundation criteria and standard clearance requirements for overland flow paths. This ensures the proposed structures and existing pipe networks are safe.

We generally don't allow structures to be built over our assets. However, we may approve some structures if:

  • minimum clearance conditions are met
  • the structure is non-permanent and can be fully removed

Note: eaves and overhangs are not permitted.

Structures we allow

We allow you to build include:

  • removable carports (minimum of three open sides with flat roof)

  • concrete driveways and pavers

  • wooden fences parallel to, or crossing our assets

We don’t allow:

  • habitable structures (for example buildings, extensions)

  • above or in-ground swimming pools

  • permanent structures

  • brick fences crossing any of our assets

 

Residential properties

If you plan to build in a residential area, any preliminary plans submitted as part of your application must meet the following technical requirements.

Clearance conditions

  • private underground services cannot be laid within an easement, though we may allow services that cross the asset

  • structures next to drains must have a minimum horizontal clearance of five metres

  • buildings (including footings and eaves) must be outside an easement or at least five metres horizontally clear of the outside edge of the assets – whichever is greater

  • utility services next to access pits must have a horizontal clearance of two metres

  • small sheds must have less than four square metres (4m²) of floor area within the easement to be considered, depending on overland flow requirements

Other conditions

  • assets must remain covered by soil at least 850mm deep

  • hardstand areas can use pavers set on a sand and crushed rock base

  • domestic concrete driveways must be no more than 100mm thick

  • structures must not obstruct overland flows, otherwise we will not approve them

  • structures must not place additional loads on the asset

  • structures must have a footing depth that adequately satisfies the angle of repose relative to the asset

Angle of repose specifications

The following diagram shows how to calculate the minimum requirements for footing depth and footing distance.

How to calculate minimum footing depth and footing distance

Industrial and commercial properties

If you're building on an industrial or commercial property, we won't approve any building or structure built within:

  • any easement

  • five metres either side of one of our assets

Utility installations

There are separate conditions for utility cables or pipe installations near or crossing our assets and easements. Further information:

Utility installation guidelines

Apply Online

Apply to work or build near our assets or easements

Contact us

If you need any help to complete this task, contact us on 131 722.

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