Land Capability AssessmentNillumbik Shire

Development and subdivision follow different LCA rules

For a dwelling or other proposed development on non-sewered land, council says an LCA may be needed. The decision should be confirmed with Planning or Environmental Health for the actual property and proposal.

Council's current subdivision checklist is firmer. It requires an LCA where new lots are proposed on non-sewered land, so wastewater capability should be considered while lot boundaries and building areas can still change.

Coordinate the planning and wastewater approvals

A planning permit may need to be finalised before the onsite wastewater approval can proceed. Council's residential pathway then distinguishes the permit to install or alter, the final inspection and the permit to use.

Keep the planning conditions, council correspondence and wastewater application together. A planning condition may also identify treatment or siting matters that the LCA and later system design must address.

Show the land available for onsite wastewater management

Council asks for a site plan showing the proposed land application area and relevant features such as waterways, dams and buildings, together with floor plans for the dwellings. Existing systems to be removed or altered should also be located.

For subdivision work, provide the proposed lot layout, contours and intended development envelope for each lot. This allows the assessment to consider a workable land application area without assuming that one arrangement suits every future dwelling.

Use the correct pathway for larger proposals

Commercial, community and higher-flow proposals may follow a different approval pathway. The responsible regulator should be confirmed early based on the proposed use and estimated daily wastewater flow.