Stormwater applications

Approval is required for modifications or construction works near stormwater easements.

The design and construction must comply with summary of requirements: construction in the vicinity of stormwater easements (PDF 595.7 KB). These requirements ensure the safety and serviceability of stormwater easements.

TCCS must be notified of construction works prior to any works commencing. They will set specific site requirements to be followed during the works. The following requirements apply to all works in the vicinity of stormwater easements:

• The depth of ground cover over a buried underground stormwater pipe within the easement must not be reduced without the prior approval of TCCS.
• Footings or foundations of all structures within and adjacent to stormwater easements must be setback and deep enough to ensure that structures do not place any loading on the underground stormwater pipe.

Before beginning works in the vicinity of stormwater, we highly recommend that you engage a suitably qualified professional to prepare a detailed site plan. The plan should include all above and below ground infrastructure assets/services and vegetation across the verge.

Applicants may also be required to provide:

• loading zone of influence for footings, if the clearance of the foundation of the proposed structure is less than a metre from the closest edge of the easement and sits above the invert of the pipe and
• special engineering design and certification for any proposed structures (including retaining walls) located near stormwater easements to ensure that:
  • there is adequate clearance between the pipe and any footings
  • the footings do not put loads onto the pipes and
  • pipes can be safely excavated in the future without undermining or damaging the proposed structure.

The detailed designs plans must be submitted with the TCCS approval form prior to the commencement of construction works.

For more information on what needs to be included in the plans, please view the sample site plan (PDF 1.1 MB).

For additional design details and requirements refer to construction in the vicinity of easements: summary of requirements (PDF 595.7 KB).

Applications for driveways, stormwater easements and waste and recycling management plans can all be lodged via the TCCS approval form. You must attach a site plan to the application.

Applications can only be accepted in electronic format and take a minimum of 15 working days to assess. If you have difficulty with the form please contact 6207 0019.

Note: Transport Canberra and City Services will approve and stamp the site plan which will be forwarded together with the letter of approval by email to the applicant.

For more information on stormwater easement approvals, please view the stormwater advisory note (PDF 365KB) | Word version (DOC 120KB).

Structures permitted within stormwater easements

The following structures may be permitted within easements, subject to compliance with the Construction in the vicinity of stormwater easements (PDF 595.7 KB):

• Carports
• Walls and fences (retaining walls, screen walls, fences and gates)
• Cantilevered overhangs
• Concrete slabs
• Small trees and vegetation

Structures prohibited within stormwater easements

The following structures are not permitted within easements:

• New dwellings and buildings
• Extensions to existing dwellings and buildings
• Lockable structures including garages, store rooms, tool sheds, gazebos, aviaries, garden sheds and green/glass houses
• Swimming pools, water tanks, non-municipal stormwater structures, electrical and gas appliances and other fixed structures
• Lockable roller doors, tilt doors and similar fittings
• Supports for decks, balconies, building overhangs and the like