Do You Need Council Approval For Earthworks?
Earthworks can be an incredibly all-encompassing term, but these include some of the most important construction concepts around.
Ranging from cable laying to massive jobs such as pit excavation, earthworks can be the functional backbone of any construction project, so getting the right permits in place before you start can make the entire project far simpler.
Read on to find out more about what work requires council approval, and some of the consequences of not receiving all of the permits that you need.
Why do most earthworks need permission?
Whilst the process of getting permission for your earthworks may be infuriating, it is a completely rational process that puts an extra level of focus on public safety. There are a few issues that can emerge from completing earthworks incorrectly and without planning.
The first, and most potentially dangerous of these, is flooding. Replacing the ground with a completely different material can make it impossible for the soil to absorb enough water, which could rapidly lead to a greater level of flooding.
You could also find yourself accidentally damaging local infrastructure, so the local government's planning department is simply looking after its own interest with earthworks permission.
Can I complete any work without a permit?
There are a few works that you can get completed on the Sunshine Coast without receiving permission, but you need to reach the following (and more) criteria.
Your earthworks must:
- Not exceed 1000m^2 in area
- Not exceed an average depth of 500mm
- Not include a 12.5% slope
- Not interfere with natural water flow
- Not be too close to an adjoining property
- Not be too close to Local Government infrastructure
-
Not take place below the adopted flood level
Even in the case that all of these requirements are met, it's always advisable to get in touch with the council about your plans to make sure that you are in line with all local regulations. The alternative is facing potentially costly consequences.
What could be the repercussions?
Aside from leading to environmental issues such as flooding, there are a few repercussions that you could face for not receiving the right permits before getting started on work. Firstly, you will likely find yourself on the receiving end of a fine for starting the work without permission, and this could be coupled up with needing to reverse your work until you do receive full planning permission.
Finally, to actually get started on your work you will need to get complete planning permission from your local authority. After having previously illegally started construction, they may not look at your application too kindly. This is why it is always a good idea to seek approval, no matter what work you're completing.
Contact A1 Digging Solutions today
If you're looking for a digging team that can support you from the planning stage through to the completion of the job, contact A1 Digging Solutions today. We can offer a high-quality service that you can trust, working throughout the Sunshine Coast to get the job done. Call our team today to find out more.
