Building over or near a public pipe

Not permitted

The following shall not be permitted under any circumstances:

• Building over any public water mains or associated infrastructure
• Building over any public pressure wastewater mains
• Building over any public wastewater mains 200mm diameter of greater
• Building over any public wastewater associated infrastructure, e.g. manholes
• Building over any public stormwater lines 200mm diameter or greater

Limited discretionary activities

The following may be permitted only in exceptional circumstances where no suitable alternative exists and with approval of council.

• Building over gravity wastewater and stormwater mains less than 200mm internal diameter

It highly undesirable to have any buildings over any public pipes, therefore any approvals will only in exceptional situations where the long-term impacts on the pipes are proved to be minimal and where reasonable access can be maintained. In addition to the previous requirements, conditions considered include.

In limited situations approval may be given to build over gravity wastewater and stormwater pipes less than 200mm diameter.

This will be assessed subject to the following.

• The section of pipe is straight with no fixtures, lateral connection, smooth bore and of sound material or other fixtures that cause a blockage confirmed by CCTV inspection
• The life of the pipe is greater than of the structure.
• Asbestos cement and ceramic pipes cannot be built over.
• That means of easily servicing the pipe are installed, e.g. a manhole located near the build over location and is easily accessible.
• Foundations are designed so that the weight of the building or works does not add extra loading on the affected pipes.
• That the trench associated with construction of the sewer does not compromise the building.
• That the length of pipe under the building is minimised.
• Please note that for health and safety reasons only approved third parties are allowed access to our networks.
• Final sign off, as required by Taupō District Council, will be dependent on the results of the specified inspections and stand-over. A post-construction CCTV inspection must be carried out to ensure the affected pipe has not been damaged.

Restricted activities

The following may be permitted with restriction and with approval of council.

• Building within 1.5 metres of any public water mains and associated water infrastructure, or public wastewater lines and associated infrastructure, or public stormwater lines
• Building in the zone of influence of any buried public pipe

Rules to note:

• Building over chambers, valves, manholes, rising mains and connections is not permitted.
• Works that restricts council’s ability to undertake required maintenance of assets is not permitted.
• A pre-construction CCTV inspection is required and a permit for accessing our wastewater network must be obtained.
• Please note that if the pipe or asset that is proposed to be built near is damaged or deemed to be in poor condition, it must be repaired at the applicant’s expense. The Works Over approval will be granted with specific conditions detailing the remedial action required.
• Affected pipes must be clearly marked out. This can be done by the CCTV contractor during the inspection or marked out by a registered surveyor at the applicant’s expense.
• Only approved third parties are allowed access to our networks.
• Foundations are to be designed to ensure the new structure imposes no additional loading on the affected pipe.
• Final sign off, as required by Taupō District Council, will be dependent on the results of the specified inspections and stand-over. A post-construction CCTV inspection must be carried out to ensure the affected pipe has not been damaged.