Understanding our application process

Approval to install, alter and operate an on-site wastewater system

A written approval from Council is a legal requirement under the NSW Local Government Act 1993 to install or alter an on-site sewage management (OSSM) system, and after installation an approval to operate is required before it is used.

A single combined application is made but two separate approvals are issued starting with an approval to install/alter, and once satisfactorily completed an approval to operate.

These approvals are separate from a Development Application (DA) and must be obtained before any work begins on installing or altering the system, and before the system is used.

Note: The NSW Planning Portal refers to this application by the legal clause of the Local Government Act 1993 it and other approvals are assessed under which is 'Section 68 approval'

More information can be found through the NSW Planning Portal Website here.

What’s involved in the application?

To apply, you’ll need to:

  1. Create an account on the NSW Planning Portal
  2. Complete the 'Section 68' application through the portal using:OSSM Application Guide for NSW Planning Portal
  3. Complete and upload the required documentation:
  4. Submit the application. Preliminary assessment will be conducted by Council and additional information will be requested before progressing to a payment request and lodgement if required.
Assessment of the On-site Sewage Management (OSSM) system application
  • Following payment, your application will be lodged and assigned to an Environmental Health Officer
  • Your application will undergo detailed assessment which may include further requests for further information or clarification.
  • The application will be determined by approval, or refusal and a notice of determination will be issued via the NSW Planning Portal.
Approval to Install
  • Where approved, an 'Approval to Install' is issued. You must provide this approval and its associated approved plans to your installer.
  • Inspections are conducted at key stages throughout the system installation, which you or your installer must book with Council directly. The critical inspection stages will be detailed as a condition in your approval.
Approval to Operate
  • Once the system is installed in accordance with the approval, and a satisfactory final inspection has been conducted, you will be provided with an 'Approval to Operate'.
  • The approval will set out your conditions of operation, including regular maintenance requirements.
  • If the land or property is sold, Council will update the new owner’s details and reissue the 'Approval to Operate' to the new owner. This will be completed once the NSW Land Registry Service provides Council with the ‘Notice of Transfer'.
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