Build Over Guide

Who do I contact?
This brochure is a general guide. Not all
structures have been listed in this brochure.
Please contact Melbourne Water - Asset Services
for further information regarding structure
requirements, build-over agreements and
conditions. Applications can be posted to:
Postal address:
Asset Services
Melbourne Water Corporation
PO Box 4342 Melbourne Victoria 3001
Email address:
assetservices@melbournewater.com.au
Web Site:
www.melbournewater.com.au
General Melbourne Water Enquiries 131722
Asset Services Enquiries 9235 1414
Version 2: June 2009
Melbourne Water must What is a Build Over? General Structure Requirements Industrial/Commercial Property What Needs Approval? Structures Near Assets
(Residential Purposes)
give consent for any A build over is when a property owner • No building/structure will be considered All structures to be built/dismantled Structures built near assets are required
plans to build near, on or above an • No private underground services are to within any easement or 5 metres either near a Melbourne Water asset require to meet Melbourne Water’s foundation
structure to be built easement, pipe or other asset* controlled be laid within an easement. However, side of Melbourne Water’s asset. Melbourne Water’s approval and consent. criteria and overland flow path standard
by Melbourne Water. A legally binding consideration may be given to services Examples of structures that require clearance requirements to ensure the
over or near any of its Build Over Agreement is entered into by crossing the asset.
approval include: safety of the proposed structures and
Melbourne Water and the property owner Utility Installation • Sheds existing pipe networks.
underground assets giving consent for the structure to be
• A horizontal clearance of a minimum
5 metres is required if a structure is Separate conditions are applicable for • Swimming Pools
or easements. built, yet protecting Melbourne Water’s
adjacent to a drainage channel. utility cables/pipe installations near,
continuous rights of access. • Gazebo/Decking/Verandas Structures on or above assets
or crossing Melbourne Water assets/
• No structure must place additional load • Landscaping/Excavating
*Assets include: easements. Refer to Melbourne Water’s Generally structures are not permitted
on the asset. For all structures the depth
Utilities Installation Brochure or contact • Tree planting/removal over Melbourne Water assets, however
• Easements of the footings must be adequate to
Melbourne Water – Land Management for some structures may be approved if
satisfy the angle of repose relative to • Fences
• Sewage pipes further information. minimum clearance conditions are met,
the asset. Refer over page. • Garages the structure is non-permanent and can
• Drainage pipes and Channels be fully removed. Eaves and overhangs
• Setback of buildings (including footings • Car Ports
• Water mains and eaves) shall be the greater of the Build over application are not permitted.
following criteria: • Driveways
• Access pits/Man holes. Any submitted build over applications
Quick tip: - Must be set outside the easement, or • Houses/extensions
should include the following information:
Melbourne Water must protect its rights - A minimum offset of 5 metres
• Demolition and Earthworks
Angle of Repose
For informaion on of access to ensure it is able to fulfil horizontally clear of the outside edge • Completed build over application form*
of the assets.1 • Any type of structure/works The below diagram shows how to
underground assets, its statutory obligations relating to the • Structure type and specifications calculate minimum footing depth and
installation and maintenance of assets. (Under section 148 Water Act)
• Structure location within the property footing distance. Footings must meet or
please call • A horizontal clearance of 2 metres is exceed these minimum requirements.
For any new subdivision, Melbourne • General dimensions and clearances Please note: This does not preclude the
Dial Before You Dig on Water will seek as a minimum to have a required for utility services adjacent to need to obtain other relevant approvals
6m easement located centrally over the a Melbourne Water access pit • Footing details (type/depth etc) and operation of other legislations, eg:
1100 asset. • Small sheds proposed with maximum • Survey plans of the property SBO, LSIO.

Each build over application is considered floor area within the easement less than Build over submissions will attract a
on a case-by-case basis, as there are a 4m² will be considered, dependant on standard application fee.
number of factors that overland flow requirements
5m may effect each
*Build over application forms can be
proposal:
6m Clearance • A minimum soil cover of 850mm must found at melbournewater.com.au 5m
Trench Area
• Ground conditions be maintained over the asset.
Minimum
footing
Minimum
footing
1
For site specific restrictions, case by case
distance depth
• Acceptable hardstand areas are new will be considered. 6m Clearance
• Pipe: type, size, condition, age
1.5 - 2m
Bubbulle pavers set on a sand and
• Proposed structure clearance
Angle of
repose
Optional
Screw crushed rock base, or Trench Area
0.3m 45° Pile Minimum Minimum
• Foundation1m clearance • Concrete driveways (domestic) not footing footing
exceeding a 100mm thickness. distance depth
• Overland flow path
If Screw Piles to be used, must be end bearing
type and extend to 1m below the invert of drain
Diagram not to scale
1.5 - 2m
Approval will not be granted if the
• Load impacts on assets
If Screw Piles are to be adopted, evidence will need to be supplied by a qualified
engineer indicating that the footing will not be affected from any excavation
work undertaken by Melbourne Water abutting the Screw Pile
proposed structure obstructs overland
Angle of Optional
flow. Guidelines for development in repose Screw
flood prone areas can be found at 0.3m 45° Pile
melbournewater.com.au
1m

NO YES NO YES YES NO YES NO

Habitable Structures Removable Carports Above or in-ground Concrete driveways Wooden Fences Permanent Structures Wooden Fences Brick fences crossing If Screw Piles to be used, must be end bearing
Swimming pools and pavers parallel crossing
Diagram not to scale
type and extend to 1m below the invert of drain

. If Screw Piles are to be adopted, evidence will need to be supplied by a qualified

engineer indicating that the footing will not be affected from any excavation
100mm
work undertaken by Melbourne Water abutting the Screw Pile
850mm max
min