Important note about Unitywater easements
We will consider written requests for approval for building works to encroach on an easement protecting Unitywater infrastructure, but these are rarely granted. It is recommended that building works be designed to remain outside of the easement. Read more about building near easements.
Quick links
Before you start your project
Before starting your renovation or extension project, you must check whether there are any registered easements or infrastructure you need to take into account.
In addition to Unitywater easements and water and sewer infrastructure, there may also be electricity, road easements, fire trails, stock routes and other infrastructure to consider.
Building Over or Adjacent Infrastructure documents
The process you should follow:
Do this by purchasing a title search and survey plan via Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
If this is not possible then you can ask Unitywater for approval for an encroachment.
Do this by requesting a Detailed Infrastructure Plan from Unitywater online.
The building certifier assess your proposed building work against the Queensland Development Code MP 1.4 – Building over or near relevant infrastructure.
You must use the documents and checklist on our building and renovating page if you need to build over or near infrastructure.
Applying to build over pipes or easements:
Easement encroachment application
To apply for an easement encroachment you will need:
- current title search for the property
- easement conditions document for the easement
- a survey plan of the easement.
These documents can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources & Mines.
Build over or near infrastructure application
To apply to build over or near Unitywater infrastructure you will need:
- where an easement exists you’ll also need to provide a copy of your consent for encroachment and conditions.
- a site plan showing all existing and proposed buildings/structures, water and sewerage infrastructure, and the property connections to that infrastructure.
- a statement of reasons showing which of the acceptable solution(s) from the Queensland Development Code 1.4 can’t be met and a statement of how the related performance requirement(s) within the code are achieved.
- elevation views of the proposed building work showing water and sewerage infrastructure.
- structural engineering design drawings of the footings/foundations for the proposed building work showing water and sewerage infrastructure. Please include the Form 15 Design Certificate that your structural engineer will provide.
To apply to build over or near Unitywater infrastructure, please submit the following application via the Development Portal.
Renovating or extending FAQs
Owners can:
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plant small shrubs or trees, using our think before you plant page as a guide.
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install a driveway or fence.
Any other uses will require Unitywater approval.
If you proceed with building works (including excavation and/or filling) over or near water and sewerage infrastructure without the required consent, you may be issued with a penalty infringement notice and be liable to pay fines.
We may also direct you to remove any structures at your cost. Additional charges may be imposed, including the costs to repair any damage to Unitywater’s infrastructure that may have been caused by the building work.
If a structure encroaches on to easement land without our approval, we may, in accordance with the easement terms, direct you to remove the structure at your cost.
If you do not remove the structure, we may remove it and you will be liable for the cost.
A surcharge will apply for credit card payments (Mastercard and Visa) in the Development Portal. Find out more.
