Bass Coast's current permit material identifies separate LCA pathways for unsewered lots in built-up residential areas and for smaller unsewered subdivision lots. Council may also make a property-specific decision for other site circumstances.
View our Land Capability Assessment serviceThe current form identifies two separate LCA triggers
The first trigger refers to unsewered lots in built-up residential areas. The current form does not state an area threshold for this category.
The second trigger applies to unsewered subdivision lots smaller than 4,050 m². The 4,050 m² threshold applies only in the context of an unsewered subdivision lot.
Council may waive the LCA requirement
The current form allows an authorised council officer to waive the LCA requirement. Any waiver should be recorded for the particular property and proposal.
Council may also request an LCA where it identifies a property as environmentally difficult or a problem site. Confirm this classification directly with council for the particular property and proposal.
Plan the land application area with the development
The permit material asks the assessment to address onsite wastewater management, the proposed land application area and the potential bedroom and occupancy basis.
The current permit material also refers to provision for a backup land application area. The application-specific requirement should be confirmed with council.
Site layout, soil conditions, slope, drainage and nearby receptors inform the assessment of effluent dispersal or recycling for the proposed development.
Small second dwellings need early wastewater planning
On unsewered land, Bass Coast's small-second-dwelling guidance directs proposals requiring a new or altered system through the septic permit pathway. Consider onsite wastewater management before access, private open space and building footprints constrain the land available for the land application area.
Where an existing dwelling already uses an onsite system, provide the approved plan, permit and service information so the combined proposal can be reviewed.
What to send for a quotation
- Property address, lot area and subdivision status
- Current site plan, subdivision plan and floor plans
- Proposed bedrooms, occupancy and wastewater use
- Council advice about the LCA requirement or waiver
- Existing onsite wastewater permit and system plan
- Earlier LCA, site or soil reports
Send the information you have. We can identify any additional information needed to prepare your quotation.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 4,050 m² threshold matter?
It applies to an unsewered subdivision lot below that area. The current form also allows an authorised council officer to waive the LCA requirement.
How should I confirm whether Council regards the property as a problem site?
Send council the property address, current plans and a description of the proposed works. Ask whether council regards the property as a problem site and which assessments it requires.
What information helps assess the land application area?
A current site plan, development layout, intended occupancy, existing wastewater records and any council correspondence help establish the assessment pathway.
What happens after the LCA is prepared?
Submit the LCA with the relevant permit material and respond to council's review. Detailed system design, installation and approval continue through the applicable permit pathway.
Official resources
Bass Coast septic tank system permit
Council's current permit page and application access.
View Bass Coast septic tank system permitBass Coast 2026–2027 permit application
Current local LCA trigger, waiver and application-information wording.
View Bass Coast 2026–2027 permit application (PDF, 220 kB)Bass Coast small second dwelling guidance
Onsite wastewater permit context for an additional dwelling.
View Bass Coast small second dwelling guidanceEnvironment Protection Authority (EPA) onsite wastewater guidance
Current statewide technical basis used alongside Bass Coast's administrative trigger.
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: 7 September 2026
Yarra Geotechnics is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bass Coast Shire Council. Council determines the final application and permit requirements.
Need a Land Capability Assessment for a Bass Coast application?
Send the property address, current plans and any council correspondence. Yarra Geotechnics reviews the property and proposal before setting out the project-specific scope, fee and deliverables in the quotation.