Plumbing and drainage - Fast-track application

From 1 July 2019, Fast-track applications replaced Council's PlumbSMART application process. The new process was introduced as part of the implementation of the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, with the criteria for a Fast-track application being set out in section 37 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.

What plumbing and drainage work is eligible for Fast-track?

Proposed plumbing and drainage work to be carried out on:

• one new class 1a dwelling or one new class 10a building, or
• one single new class 1a dwelling and one new class 10a building that is associated with the class 1a dwelling that: 
  • is in a service area for a retail water and sewerage service provider
  • will have its own separate and direct connection to Urban Utilities' water and sewer network, i.e. not be connected to a combined sanitary drain or common drainage
  • does not involve an on-site sewage facility or greywater use facility
  • does not involve installing a fixture relating to trade waste, or
• the following types of permit work declared by Council to be Fast-track permit work:
  • minor commercial installation - up to four fixtures and not involving in-ground drainage or trade waste
  • drain seal-off – sealing an existing sanitary drain
  • drain reconnection – connecting an existing sanitary drain to a new connection point
  • drain works – repairing an existing sanitary drain
  • plumbed-in rainwater tank – connecting to internal fixtures
  • pre-fabricated pods – off-site prefabricated plumbing units including laundries, bathrooms and kitchens.

When adding a secondary class 1a building or a class 10a building to a lot that already contains a building that is directly connected to the lot's water and sewer connections, to meet the fast-track criteria the proposed building must have it's own separate water and sewer connection.  A standard application is required if the proposed building is connecting to the existing internal drainage.

Before lodging a Fast-track application

Confirm the property is not currently connected to a combined sanitary drain.

Council also recommends checking if the property is affected by flooding as this will have implications for the drainage installation.

Application requirements

1. Completed Form 1 – Permit application for plumbing, drainage and onsite sewerage work
2. Site Classification Report (if the work includes in-ground drainage work) 
3. Reticulation Design for soil types H, E or P (if the work includes in-ground drainage work) 
4. Plans/drawings indicating the future sewer connection if applicable
5. Plans indicating:
   • correct street address or lot/plan
   • floorplans and elevation plan
   • all boundaries and street frontages.

How to apply

Online lodgement is the easiest and cheapest option (note: you will need to sign in/sign up to use our online lodgement). Additional fees apply for hardcopy lodgement.

Applications and supporting documentation may be lodged:

• online
• in person by visiting Council.

Online lodgement is the easiest and most cost-effective option. Additional fees apply for hardcopy lodgement.

Issuing of the Fast-track Permit

A Fast-track permit will be issued within two business days of the application being considered properly made, and where applicable, Council receiving a full response to an issued information request. 

Inspection of permit work

During construction, the licensed plumbing contractor will need to organise for a Council Plumbing Inspector to conduct a number of inspections of the installed plumbing and drainage works. When booking inspections or making an enquiry, you should quote the plumbing application/reference number.

Declaration of Fast-track permit work

At its meeting of 11 June 2019, in accordance with section 30 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019, Council declared the following types of permit work to be Fast-track permit work:

• minor commercial – installation, inspection and approval of up to four fixtures for all classes except detached dwelling not involving in-ground drainage or trade waste
• drain seal-off – sealing an existing sanitary drain
• drain reconnection – connecting an existing sanitary drain to a new connection point
• drain works – repairing an existing sanitary drain
• plumbed-in rainwater tank – connecting to internal fixtures
• pre-fabricated pods – off-site prefabricated plumbing units including laundries, bathrooms and kitchens.

For more information about Council declared Fast-track permit work, please see Council meeting minutes 4593 - 11 June 2019, page 51 Approval to declare permit work of a stated type to be Fast-track permit work 852/2018-19, which can be accessed via Council's meeting minutes page.

More information

Find out more about plumbing and drainage by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888 for residential customers, or 133 BNE (133 263) for business customers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.