Stormwater that falls on a property is collected and drained to what is usually the lowest point on the property, which is known as the legal point of discharge.
This collected stormwater is then discharged or released to the Council stormwater system, which is usually an underground drain in the street or in a property easement.
If no underground drain is available, the stormwater is drained to the kerb and channel in the nearby street.
In some cases, the property owner will be required to construct a new drain to connect with Council’s stormwater system. This is known as the point of connection.
When is a legal point of discharge report required?
As part of your Building Permit application you will need to obtain a legal point of discharge report for your property.
You may also need to obtain a legal point of discharge report, if you are preparing Engineering Plans for Council approval.
We prefer you submit your application online. If you're unable to apply online, you can apply via email, mail or in person.
Why is the report important?
If you’re building an entirely new structure or undertaking repair works on the roof or to private drains, it’s important not to block stormwater from draining away.
You must ensure that your private drain is connected legally to the Council drainage system or kerb and channel to avoid the stormwater from causing damage.
Equally you do not want anything other than the rain to enter the stormwater system and potentially contaminate our lakes, waterways and the ocean.
What information will be provided?
The legal point of discharge report will provide information on:
- The legal point of discharge in accordance with the Building Act
- The point of connection
- Advice on the location of any Council's drains, where available
- Advice on additional building and planning requirements
The report does not contain information regarding the existing private stormwater system on the property or the existing point of connection.