Rainwater Tanks
Grants and Rebates (Energy, Water)- apply NOW
No specific Planning Permit is required for rainwater tanks up to up to 4,500 litres when installed to residential properties, except for areas covered by the Heritage Overlay.
However, a permit may be required where a rainwater tank is to be installed within a multi-unit development or where an existing planning permit requires approval for additional building works and each case needs to be assessed separately. If in doubt, please contact the Town Planning unit on telephone 9518 3616.
A rainwater tank must not be constructed over an easement without Council and Water Authority consent. It must be setback from another building on the site by 900mm if constructed of combustible material.
Also, it must be setback from the side or rear boundary by a minimum 500mm and to a height not exceeding 3.6m, unless on a southern allotment boundary affecting north facing windows on an adjoining allotment then a maximum height of 2.5m at that distance, otherwise 1.0m away.
It should not be built within the 7.6m frontage setback or the 2.0m side street setback without the 'Report and Consent' of Council. Any queries, please contact Monash Building Surveying on 9518 3476.
Grey Water
Grey water consists of non-toilet wastewater including wastewater from showers, baths, spas, hand basins, washing machines, laundry troughs, dishwashers and kitchen sinks.
"Blackwater" is toilet water that is contaminated with faeces and urine.
If installing a system to collect, store and treat greywater then a septic tank permit is required from Council and the system must meet Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Guidelines.
If using greywater through a diversion system that does not store and treat the water then no permit is required. However, consent from Yarra Valley Water or South-East Water needs to be obtained and all works are required to be carried out by a licensed plumber. It is important to ensure that greywater is used correctly as the owner or occupiers of a property may expose themselves to legal liability if a public health hazard, nuisance or environmental hazard is created.
- www.epa.vic.gov.au/Water/wastewater/default.asp
- www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/rainwater/default.asp
- www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/reuse/default.asp
- www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/stormwater/default.asp
- www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/stormwater/stormwater_kit.asp
or contact Council's Environmental Health Unit on 9518 3539 or 9518 3540.
Updated: 19 November 2009
[ Up: Building Regulations | Forward: Monash Planning Scheme ]