Before You Build, Check What’s Underground
Before designing your dream pergola or deck, it’s important to check what lies beneath your property. Many Sydney homes have Sydney Water assets underground – including sewer or stormwater pipes – that must remain accessible and protected.
If you plan to build near or over these assets, you’ll need approval from Sydney Water before work begins. It’s one of the most common, and often overlooked, compliance checks for outdoor structures. At Pergola Land, we include this step in every project to ensure your build is approved and worry-free from day one.
What Are Sydney Water Assets?
Sydney Water manages underground infrastructure such as:
- Sewer mains – pipes carrying wastewater from your home
- Maintenance holes (manholes) – access points for inspection or repairs
- Stormwater drains – channels that carry rainwater away
Even if they’re not visible, these assets often run through or along back boundaries. They must stay clear and stable for future maintenance.
What Does “Building Over or Near” Mean?
This refers to placing any part of your structure, like footings or posts, within a certain distance of Sydney Water’s infrastructure.
If your pergola footing is within 1–2 metres of a sewer main, or crosses directly over it, you’ll need formal approval and specific construction methods such as pier-and-beam systems. Ignoring this can result in fines or costly rework later.
Why Approval Matters
Sydney Water approval protects both your structure and public infrastructure. It ensures:
- Pipes aren’t damaged or overloaded
- Access remains for maintenance
- Your build meets Australian standards
Skipping this step can delay your Occupation Certificate, result in fines, or force costly changes, so Pergola Land never overlooks it.
How the Build Over Asset (BOA) Process Works
- Asset Check – We use Sydney Water’s Tap In portal to identify any assets on your property.
- Design Review – Our team assesses your plans and adjusts layouts or footing positions if needed.
- Approval Application – If required, we engage a licensed Water Servicing Coordinator (WSC) to lodge a BOA application.
- Assessment & Conditions – Sydney Water reviews the design and may request deeper footings or special construction methods.
- Inspection & Certification – Once approved, we proceed with construction and provide all compliance documentation for certification.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Homeowners sometimes start building without checking sewer maps or diagrams, only to find pipes running beneath their new deck or pergola. This can lead to redesigns or partial demolition. A quick compliance check upfront prevents these setbacks.
How Pergola Land Handles the Process
With thousands of pergolas and decks built across Sydney, Pergola Land manages compliance from start to finish. We:
- Conduct Sydney Water checks for every project
- Adjust designs if assets are nearby
- Coordinate BOA applications through licensed WSCs
- Provide full approval documentation for certification
This proactive approach saves time, cost, and stress – ensuring your project runs smoothly and remains fully compliant.
Checking for Sydney Water assets isn’t just a formality – it’s essential for a safe, legal build. Pergola Land handles every step, from underground checks to final certification, so you can focus on enjoying your new outdoor space.
Contact the Pergola Land team and start planning with confidence.
For further inspiration…
> Can an alfresco or pergola be used all year round?
> The benefits of visiting a pergola showroom
> Warranties & contracts: 5 essential checks before you start your outdoor project