Building on or near our assets
Shoalhaven Water has specific requirements when it comes to building over or near gravity sewer mains. Development proposals must enable unrestricted access to all manholes, lampholes, maintenance shafts and junctions.
Building over a water supply asset such as water service lines, water mains, fittings, or fixtures, or within the easement of a pressure sewer main, is NOT permitted.
Where applicable, concrete encasement of the sewer main will be required for the protection of the affected pipe and any associated infrastructure, and this includes the relocation of any sewer asset such as a sewer junction, due to loss of access.
Find out more
Click on the tabs below to find out what the zone of influence is and what you need to submit plans for approval or refer to our related information at the bottom of this page.
What is the zone of influence?
The zone of influence (ZOI) for external loading is the notional envelope within which an external vertical load would exert stress on a pipe or structure.
The zone of influence distance will be greater at sandy locations (2:1) which are found at Shoalhaven Heads, Culburra Beach, Callala Beach and parts of Sussex Inlet, Lake Conjola and Vincentia.
Where a development is proposed over or adjacent to a Council sewer main, approved building plans and development approval are required, refer to Plan Checking for requirements.
Building approval requirements
Development proposals must enable unrestricted access to all manholes, lampholes, maintenance shafts and junctions. Where applicable, concrete encasement of the sewer main will be required for the protection of the affected pipe and any associated infrastructure and this includes the relocation of any sewer asset, such as a sewer junction, due to the loss of access.
Please email your proposal to Shoalhaven Water and include the following information, submitted in pdf or jpg format:
- Approved building plans and a site survey plan by a registered surveyor - all levels to Australian Height Datum (AHD).
- Certified engineering plans indicating soil classification and type, and protection requirements of the sewer infrastructure and proposed/existing structure/s in accordance with Council’s building over sewer policy.
Plan checking fees will be invoiced to the applicant on completion of the assessment. Invoice must be paid within 30 days or before the required inspection.
All works relating directly to the sewer infrastructure, as specified in the development application notice and building over sewer approval are required to be carried out in the presence and to the satisfaction of Shoalhaven Water’s inspector.
Submit your proposal to swdevelopment@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au