Section 68 Compliance Building Certifiers

Section 68 compliance refers to activities regulated under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) that require approval before they can be carried out. While Section 68 covers a range of activities beyond building work, building certifiers are commonly involved in S68 approvals related to water supply, sewerage, and stormwater drainage connections, as well as other activities that intersect with building certification such as installation of manufactured homes and placement of moveable dwellings.

The most common S68 approvals that building certifiers encounter relate to the connection of a building to water supply, sewerage, and stormwater drainage systems. Before a new building can be connected to council water and sewer infrastructure, an S68 approval must be obtained from the local council. The building certifier may need to coordinate with the council to ensure that the S68 approval is in place before relevant stages of construction proceed, particularly for new developments and subdivisions.

For homeowners and developers, S68 compliance is an important but often overlooked part of the building process. Failure to obtain required S68 approvals can result in fines, enforcement action, and complications when selling the property. Building certifiers familiar with S68 requirements can guide clients through the approval process and ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained at the right stages of the project. This coordination role is particularly valuable for first-time builders or developers unfamiliar with the full range of approvals required for building work in NSW.

The S68 approval process typically involves submitting an application to the local council with supporting documentation such as hydraulic engineering plans, site drainage plans, and specifications for the proposed connections. The council assesses the application and, if approved, issues conditions that must be met during construction. Inspection requirements for S68 works are separate from the building certification inspections and are usually conducted by council officers or authorised inspectors.

Costs for S68 approvals vary between councils and depend on the type of activity being approved. Connection fees for water and sewer services can range from a few hundred dollars for simple residential connections to several thousand dollars for larger developments. These fees are in addition to the building certification costs and should be factored into the overall project budget. Your building certifier can provide guidance on the likely S68 requirements and associated costs for your specific project.