Land Capability AssessmentYarra Ranges

When an LCA may be required

For residential development on unsewered land, council's published guidance identifies an LCA as part of the wastewater assessment. For extensions, changes of use or alterations to an existing wastewater system, the assessment requirements depend on the proposal, existing system and site conditions.

Council requires a permit to install or alter an onsite wastewater system. Where a planning permit is also required, council recommends obtaining it first so the wastewater design can reflect the approved development. An LCA provides supporting assessment; it is not itself a permit.

Send us any council correspondence with your plans so the quotation can address the assessment requested for your project.

Check the property's planning overlays

Use VicPlan to search the property address and generate a planning property report. Check whether an Erosion Management Overlay or other relevant planning control applies.

The report is a useful starting point for coordinating the building layout, wastewater area and any further investigations. It does not establish wastewater feasibility or replace assessment of the property's soil, drainage and slope conditions.

Wastewater absorption and landslip risk

Effluent absorption introduces water into the ground and can affect slope stability. Whether absorption trenches are suitable therefore depends on the site's conditions and the proposed wastewater arrangement.

The relevant geotechnical assessment and, where required, Landslip Risk Assessment should consider whether the proposed absorption area and trench arrangement could adversely affect landslip risk. The findings inform the location, layout and any restrictions or risk-management measures to be incorporated into the wastewater design.

An EMO does not automatically rule out absorption trenches. Their suitability needs to be assessed for the particular site and proposal, with council considering that assessment when determining the application.

Council's published septic application instructions require secondary treatment where the proposed absorption area is within an EMO. Secondary treatment improves effluent quality; it does not, by itself, establish that the proposed absorption arrangement is suitable from a slope-stability perspective.

How the assessment responds to your property

The LCA considers the proposed wastewater load, soil and drainage conditions, slope, available land and relevant setbacks. Buildings, access, waterways, dams, vegetation and planning constraints can influence the area available for wastewater management.

Yarra Geotechnics assesses suitable treatment and effluent dispersal options and coordinates the recommendations with relevant geotechnical findings. Where both assessments are required, a consistent site plan helps align the proposed development and wastewater layout.

The report sets out the assessed options, assumptions and limitations. Final system selection and detailed hydraulic and construction design follow the assessment and applicable permit requirements.