For an unsewered property in Casey, a land capability assessment is usually part of the onsite wastewater permit application unless council confirms that it is not required. This guide explains the documents to gather and the questions to resolve before requesting a quotation.
View our Land Capability Assessment servicePlan on providing an LCA unless council confirms otherwise
Casey’s current permit page and application form state that an LCA is required unless council advises that it is not required. This creates a clear default for new onsite wastewater applications, while preserving council’s ability to waive the report where the circumstances meet its requirements.
Obtain any waiver or exemption advice in writing before relying on it. A general map or the existence of nearby septic systems does not establish that a report will be waived for the proposed development.
The assessor and application information
The LCA must be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced land capability assessor.
The application needs a site plan and floor plan. The site plan should show the proposed and existing development, the onsite wastewater system and disposal area, and nearby water bodies and retarding basins. For an alteration, include clear information about the existing system and the proposed changes.
Existing system records can help scope an alteration
Casey can search its records for an existing onsite wastewater system plan at no charge. This can help establish the approved tank, disposal area and past permit information before an extension or alteration is assessed.
Older plans are not always available. Where records are incomplete, the quotation may need to allow for additional site verification before the existing system’s capacity or layout can be relied on.
How the local requirements shape the assessment
The LCA should assess the proposed wastewater load, site and soil capability, nearby receptors, available land and feasible effluent dispersal system (EDS) options. The investigation must respond to the property and the proposed development rather than assume one standard testing package.
The LCA supports council’s permit decision but does not guarantee approval or replace the final system design, installation documents and inspection process.
What to send for a quotation
- Property address
- Latest site plan and floor plans
- Proposed bedrooms, occupancy or non-residential wastewater information
- Council advice about any waiver, exemption or request for further information
- Existing-system plan or permit records, if available
- Previous LCA or wastewater reports
Send the information you have. We can identify any additional information needed to prepare your quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Can Casey waive the LCA requirement?
Yes, council’s public guidance allows it to advise that an LCA is not required. Obtain property-specific advice before lodging an application without the report.
Who can prepare the LCA?
A suitably qualified and experienced land capability assessor should prepare the report.
How can I find details of the existing septic system?
Ask Casey’s Environmental Health team to search for the onsite wastewater system plan. Council provides this search without a fee but may not hold older records.
Will an extension require an LCA?
Casey assesses an extension against the change in wastewater load and the condition and capacity of the approved onsite system. Provide both floor plans and any council system records so the alteration pathway can be checked before the assessment is scoped.
How long does a Casey onsite wastewater permit remain valid?
Check the expiry date and conditions on your issued permit. If these are unclear, confirm them with council before relying on the permit.
Official resources
Casey onsite wastewater permit guidance
Current LCA, plan and application requirements.
View Casey onsite wastewater permit guidanceCasey existing system plan request
Request Council’s record of an existing onsite wastewater system.
View Casey existing system plan requestCasey Domestic Wastewater Management Plan
Municipal risk-management context for onsite wastewater.
View Casey Domestic Wastewater Management PlanEnvironment Protection Authority (EPA) onsite wastewater guidance
Statewide A20 guidance supporting Casey’s permit, LCA and waiver pathways.
View Environment Protection Authority (EPA) onsite wastewater guidanceBoundary: © State of Victoria (Department of Transport and Planning), Vicmap Admin. CC BY 4.0. Simplified for display. Catalogue updated 5 September 2026; retrieved 12 September 2026.
Council requirements last reviewed: 6 September 2026
Yarra Geotechnics is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with or endorsed by City of Casey. Council determines the final application and permit requirements.
Need a Land Capability Assessment for a Casey application?
Send the property address, current plans and any council correspondence. Yarra Geotechnics will review the project information and provide a quotation setting out the proposed scope, fee and deliverables.