You must obtain Council approval before connecting to, disconnecting from, or carrying out any work that could affect Council’s sewer or stormwater drainage systems.
This includes all major and minor plumbing or drainage work, such as alterations, renovations, additions, or relocating an existing drainage line.
You must also obtain approval for any plumbing working being carried out on properties connected to Onsite Wastewater Management Systems (Septic Systems). You can find out more about what is required for approval on Council’s Onsite Wastewater Management page or contact Council's Environmental Health team on 1300 292 442.
Applying for approval
Undertaking plumbing works requires approval from Council under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993. All applications must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal. For guidance on the lodgement process, visit our Applying for Development page.
Your application must include Council’s Section 68 Activity Approval (AA) Checklist (PDF, 214.8 KB).
When applying, you must make an application under one or more of the following Parts:
- PART B4 - Carry out sewerage work
- PART B5 - Carry out stormwater drainage work
- PART B6 - Connect a private drain or sewer with a public drain or sewer under the control of a Council or with a drain or sewer which connects with such a public drain or sewer
Typically, Part B4 and B5 are most common.
Within the Wagga LGA Part B4 and B5 are separated into ‘private’ works and ‘Council Infrastructure (public)' works.
- Private is any sewer or stormwater works that are and will remain in private ownership.
- Public is any sewer or stormwater work that requires work to or the construction of infrastructure that is or will be in the ownership of Council.
When lodging an application within the Portal, you can apply for both a Part B4 and B5 application together with one Supplementary Information Checklist. However, if the work involves both private and public works then two separate applications are required and you will be required to complete a Supplementary Information Checklist for both applications
Fees and charges
Fees for Section 68 Applications are outlined in Council's Fees and Charges. Council will issue you with an invoice once the application has been accepted by Council through the Portal Lodgement process.
Assessment process
Once accepted by Council through the Portal, the application will be assessed, as part of this process you may be contacted to organise a site visit (see Plumbing Inspections below).
If the application is approved, you will be issued with a consent that includes conditions. You must comply with these conditions.
For further information see Council's Activity Approval Application Guide or phone Council's Plumbing Section on 1300 292 442.
Plumbing Inspections
Plumbing inspections need to be carried out on all Section 68 Activity Approvals. To book a plumbing inspection please contact Council's Plumbing Section on 1300 292 442 at least 48 hours prior to the inspection being conducted.
Please note: A Notice of Work must be supplied to Council at least 48 hours prior to commencing any works.
Notice of Work for Plumbing and Drainage Work Form 160.7 KB Download
Please be aware that for private works, a certificate of compliance form and a sewer service diagram will be required prior to booking the final inspection. Information on the requirements for sewer service diagrams can be found on our Sewer Service Diagrams page.
Certificate of Compliance for Plumbing and Drainage Work Form 192.6 KB Download
What work should I book an inspection for?
You must book an inspection for the following prior to covering or backfilling:
- All external drainage including the point of connection to Councils sewer
- All drainage (internal and external) including trade waste
- Stack work
- Alterations and additions to existing water and drainage
- Connections to stormwater systems
- Sealing of disused services (water and sewer)
- Work that did not comply with an earlier inspection
- Any work on recycled water plumbing
- Any work relating to the modification of an on-site sewage management system
- Final inspection at the completion of work and prior to premises being occupied. All Activity Approvals require a Sewer Service Diagram to be submitted electronically to Council at least 48 hours before a final plumbing inspection can be booked.
To book a plumbing inspection please contact Council's Plumbing Section on 1300 292 442 at least 48 hours prior to the inspection being conducted.