Building over pipes and easements

The zone of influence is the area above and beside an asset where loads will have an impact on the sewer main. Generally this will be 1.5 metres either side of the sewer (45 degree angle from the bottom projection of the pipe extending upwards to the ground surface). Ground conditions are an important consideration in determining the likely zone of influence and it may be necessary for you to engage a qualified structural engineer to determine the appropriate design parameters influencing the structural performance of proposed foundations, footings or piers.

If you are building a residential stand alone house or structure such as a swimming pool, garage or retaining wall that will be located over or within the zone of influence of our sewermain, you will require a build over asset application. For anything larger than a single stand alone residence (eg a granny flat, duplex or units) you will require a Section 50 certificate which can be obtained by completing a development assessment application.

We may allow you to build structures over various types of assets like sewer mains. This is subject to certain conditions, such as replacement of the sewer main prior to construction, piers under the proposed structure and ensuring that no loading is placed upon the sewer. These conditions will be provided to you upon assessment of your build over sewer application or Section 50 development application. You will need to have our approval before building over our assets.

We will not allow you to build over a sewer rising main, or an easement containing a sewer rising main, but you may be able to build adjacent to these. This is subject to certain conditions, such as protection of the rising main or piers under the proposed structure.

We will not allow you to build over a water main or an easement containing a water main, but the you may be able to build next to these. This is subject to certain conditions, which may include piers under the proposed structure and protection of the existing water main.

We will not allow you to build over sewer maintenance structures as they must remain accessible at all times. Any development or proposed structure must be at least 1.5 metres from the centre of the sewer maintenance structure.

We will not allow you to build over sewer connection points (sewer junctions) as they must remain accessible at all times. Any development or proposed structure must be at least 1.5 metres from the point of connection.