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Engineering applications

Lodge an engineering application | Engineering plan approvals | Engineering bonds | Local Government Act (LGA) approvals | Building over public drains

Building over public drains

Auckland City Council and Metrowater own an extensive network of public storm water and wastewater infrastructure, much of which is located within private land. At times developments clash with the location of these drains necessitating consideration during the design process.

The age and extent of the drainage network and the nature of development within Auckland city (normally an infill building with only a small portion of true green-field developments) are factors that can add to design complexity.

Building over an existing drain is generally not permitted. Relocation or diversion of the public drain outside the proposed works is preferred. However, where no alternative is present, "building-over" can be considered within defined criteria. Broadly, these criteria are:

  • the public drains are in good condition
  • the drains have adequate capacity
  • access, repair and maintenance aspects are satisfactory
  • diversion of the pipe is not necessary
  • the development will not place any additional load on the drain.

To ascertain some of these details, a video survey (CCTV) of the pipe needs to be completed and submitted with the development proposal. In order to ensure that the proposed building does not place load on the structure of the pipe, specific foundation design (bridging) may be required.

If the condition of the existing drain is poor, it's constructed of a material not acceptable to Auckland City Council (for example asbestos cement) and diversion or relocation is not possible, it has to be replaced prior to being built over. Replacement of public drains need to be undertaken within an Engineering Plan approval.

This engineering approval needs to be obtained separately after assessment of the condition of the drain is completed during the building consent process.

The requirements for bridging, guidelines for video survey of public drains and further information relating to drainage standards are available in Auckland City Council and Metrowater's "Development and Connection Standards" policy manual.

Related information

Development and Connection Standards policy manual (www.metrowater.co.nz)
Engineering plan approvals
 

Updated August 2010