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Amnesty on unlawful building and plumbing works

THIS AMNESTY ON BUILDING AND PLUMBING WORK EXPIRES 31/10/2009

Approval of domestic building work

A building permit is required before starting construction of most types of domestic building work e.g. extensions/alterations, shed, carport, patio, pergola etc.

A building permit (also known as a development approval) can be obtained from either Council or a private building certifier.

For more information on how to apply for a permit and the standards applicable to building work, contact Council or your private building certifier.

The age of buildings and structures that Council will accept applications for within the Amnesty period are:

Sheds, Garages and structures including alterations and additions (Class 10) < 10 years

Dwellings, including alterations, additions and changes in classification (Class 1) < 10 years

Commercial buildings including alterations, additions and changes in classification (Class 2-9) < 10 years

For people wishing to submit applications for dwellings and additions associated with habitable uses (bedrooms, lounges etc.) where the age of the building work does not exceed 15 years - Applications will be accepted on a case by case basis and will be dependant upon quality of plans, documentation and evidence the building work had been completed in accordance with the relevant requirements as at the time of construction (photographs, inspection certificates etc.).

Council will not at this time be accepting applications for older buildings and structures.

Self-assessable work

Some minor building work is self-assessable. The owner is responsible for ensuring it complies with any applicable standards, such as structural sufficiency, size limits and boundary setbacks. Minor building work may require approval under the Council's Planning Scheme and owners are responsible for complying.

Examples of self-assessable building work include:

A small tool shed, stable, fowl house or the like up to 10 square metres in area
A metre high retaining wall (providing no loads are imposed above it, such as a building or driveway)
A fence not more than 2 metres high (but not including swimming pool fencing)

A full list of self-assessable building work can be found in schedule 1 of the Building Regulation 2006.

If unsure of whether a building permit is required, contact Council or your private building certifier.

Plumbing

A plumbing and drainage application must be submitted to council for any regulated plumbing and drainage work. This means if you lay more than 3metres of drain or 6 metres of water pipe or install testable backflow devices or rainwater tanks in water reticulated areas, this is regulated work.

To undertake plumbing and drainage work, you must have a current Queensland Plumbing and Drainage licence. Endorsements are required on your plumbing and drainage license to;

Install and test testable back flow devices; and
Test Thermostatic mixing values; and
Design on-site sewerage systems.

Checklist for Plumbing Applications

No application will be accepted without all required information and fees paid.

Sewered Sites Classes 1&10 (Dwelling or Sheds)

Form 1 & 2 filled out and signed
Floor, Site & Elevations Plans
Form 7 (if dwelling is pre-fabricated)
Relevant fees to be paid

Non-Sewered Classes 1&10 (Dwelling or Sheds)

Form 1 & 2 filled out and signed
Application to install an On-site sewerage facility, filled out and signed by owner
Form 8 to be completed but NOT signed, signature required by plumber at final inspection
On-site sewerage evaluator’s design and report Floor, Site & Elevations Plans
Form 7 (if dwelling is pre-fabricated)
Relevant fees to be paid

Application Checklist for Classes 2-9 & Multiple Dwellings

Form 1 & 2 filled out and signed
3 Sets of full size (A1) Hydraulics drawings + electronic copy
Floor, Site & Elevations Plans Backflow Prevention Device (if applicable)
Trade Waste (if applicable will have to be acquired through Council’s Trade Waste section)
Application to install an On-site sewerage facility, filled out and signed (if applicable)
Form 8 to be completed but NOT signed, signature required by plumber at final inspection (if applicable)
On-site sewerage evaluator’s design and report (if applicable)
Form 7 (if dwelling is pre-fabricated)
Relevant fees to be paid

Application for Connection to the CED Scheme (Emerald Only)

Form 1 & 2 filled out and signed
CED application form filled out and signed
Floor, Site & Elevations Plans
Relevant fees to be paid

Plumbing Forms can be found at www.dip.qld.gov.au/forms-templates/plumbing-forms

For further information regarding your plumbing application, please do not hesitate in contacting the Central Highland Regional Council’s Plumbing Section on 1300 242 686.

On-site sewerage and Greywateruse

On-Site Sewer Systems such as treatment plants, Septic tanks or Greywater systems MUST be approved facilities

On-site sewerage facilities and Greywater treatment plants are approved by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning to manufacturers of these facilities. The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code provides the effluent quality criteria for the particular use of Greywater.

Saving water and energy

Saving water and energy is everyone's responsibility. Read about water saving targets which apply to applications lodged for the construction of new homes from 1 January 2007. Also find out about rebates, water and energy saving techniques and devices, Council water restrictions and check out the links to other websites with water saving information.

More information can be found at www.dip.qld.gov.au

For Building applications you need to fill in Common Details – Part A

http://smartforms.business.gov.au/eForms03/getForm?formName=Qld_dlgpsr_20080509-PartA_PF.pdf

and Part B: Building work requiring assessment against the Building Act 1975

http://smartforms.business.gov.au/eForms03/getForm?formName=Qld_dlgpsr_20080509-PartB_PF.pdf

For Plumbing application you need to fill in Forms 1 & 2

Form 1: Application for Compliance Assessment http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/form/plumbers/1f-applicationforcomplianceassessment.doc

Form 2: Proposed Plumbing & Drainage & On-Site Sewerage Work

http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/form/plumbers/2f-proposedplumbinganddrainagework.doc

or the following forms

Form 7 for Responsible (Licensed) Person to Do Plumbing & Drainage Works.

http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/form/plumbers/7f-notificationofresponsibleperson.doc