Time frames for plumbing and drainage permit applications

Permit applications are divided into 2 processing timeframes: standard and fast-track. The timeframe for your application will depend on the building classification, as well as other factors.

Standard applications

Standard applications and standard amendment applications are usually approved within 10 business days.

Standard timeframes apply to:

  • multi-unit residential and commercial buildings (class 2–9)
  • applications that are not fast-track applications or fast-track amendment applications.

Fast-track applications

Fast-track applications and fast-track amendment applications are usually approved within 2 business days, unless the local government and applicant agree on a longer period.

Fast-track timeframes apply to:

  • fast-track permit work
  • amendment applications to amend a permit for which a fast-track application was made.

What is fast-track permit work

Fast-track permit work is work carried out, or is to be carried out, under a permit authorising work on either:

  • only 1 new class 1a building or 1 new class 10a building with the supply pipe for the building being connected directly and separately to the service provider’s water supply system
  • only 1 new class 1a building and 1 new class 10a building associated with the class 1a building and 1 supply pipe for both of the buildings is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s water supply system.

Additionally, for these buildings:

  • the work is carried out, or is to be carried out, in a service area for a retail water service and a sewerage service
  • the sanitary drain for the building or buildings is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s sewerage system.

A class 10a building is associated with a class 1a building if a person who is entitled to use the class 1a building would ordinarily also be entitled to use the class 10a building.

Fast-track permit work includes other permit work of a type that a particular local government has declared (under a fast-track declaration) to be fast-track permit work for that local government area.

What is not fast-track permit work

Work is not fast-track permit work if it:

  • involves installing a fixture relating to trade waste
  • involves building, installing or altering either:
    • a greywater use facility
    • an on-site sewage facility
  • is carried out, or is to be carried out, in a local government area for which a fast-track opt-out declaration is in force.

An application is not a fast-track application or fast-track amendment application if any of these apply: