What is an Easement?
An easement will most commonly be situated along a property boundary, but can be located anywhere. Easements are often reserved for essential services, such as:
- Stormwater drainage
- Sewerage
- Water supply, power, gas, or telecommunications infrastructure
- Overland flow paths for storm flows
- Right of way for vehicles or pedestrians
- Reserves for overhead power lines
Building over an easement
Building over an easement occurs when a property owner plans to construct or place a private structure on, near, or above an easement or drain. This cannot be done without obtaining report and consent from Council.
When is a Build over an easement permit required?
If you are a property owner with an easement or a Council drain on your property and you plan to build over or near that easement or drain, you must obtain consent beforehand. To receive this consent, you are required to fill out a Build over an easement permit application, which will be assessed by the Council.
Other agencies or authorities, such as power, gas, and water corporations, may also have an interest in the easement. If this is the case, you must obtain consent from each of the interested parties.