Do you need to alter an onsite wastewater management system? You will need a permit to alter an existing system.
Types of Permit to Alter
A Permit to Alter is required when works are required to repair or upgrade your system. There are two types of alters:
- Major alter: Consists of works that adds to or replaces the septic field or modifies the septic tank.
- Minor alter: Consists only of the installation, replacement or relocation of the internal plumbing, fixtures or fittings of the OWMS.
Fees
The associated fees for altering an onsite wastewater management system for the 2023-2024 financial year are below.
| Type |
Fee |
| Major alteration |
$777.20 |
| Minor alteration |
$592.30 |
| Renewal of permit |
$132.10 |
| Transfer of permit |
$157.90 |
| Amend a permit |
$165.00 |
| Information request |
$157.60 |
| Sample request |
Cost of sample + 20% |
How to apply
What happens next?
Approval process
Once you submit your application, we have 42 days to process and issue a Permit to Alter. The Permit to Alter is valid for 2 years.
Works for the installation of the septic system can not be started until the Permit to Alter has been issued. Should work start without a permit, we may issue an infringement. When a progress inspection of the alter is required, please contact Council's Environmental Health team at least 48 hours prior to organise the inspection.
Renewing a Permit to Alter
If your Permit to Alter is about to or has expired, you must submit an Application to Renew a Permit to Council.
Amending a Permit to Alter
If you are changing the effluent field or changing from a primary treatment system to a secondary treatment system, an Application to Amend a Permit must be submitted to Council.
Approval to Use
For an Approval to Use to be issued, Council requires the following:
- As laid plan
- Compliance certificate (if applicable)
- Manufacturer's commissioning certificate (if applicable)
- A servicing agreement (if applicable)
- An electrical certificate (if applicable)
- A final inspection completed by Council's Environmental Health team