Installing or altering a septic system

Overview

If you’re building or renovating, there are things you need to do before you install or alter a septic tank – also called an onsite domestic wastewater system - on your property. 

You need approval first. 

  • For systems that can treat up to 5,000 litres a day, you can apply through Council.
  • For systems that can treat more than 5,000 litres a day, you need an operating licence and a development licence from the EPA. You don’t need further approval from Council.

How to get approval from Council

Before you start installing or altering a septic system, follow these steps:

  1. If required, go through planning permit stage.
  2. Submit a septic application form and get a permit to install a septic system – this can be done alongside your building permit process.
  3. Install or alter the septic system (but don’t backfill it).
  4. Council must conduct a final inspection to ensure all requirements are met.
  5. Council will issue you with a permit to use the system once approved. 

 

Get a permit to install or alter a septic system

When planning where to locate the septic system, you should consider:

  • Future use of the land – as it can’t be used in the future for other building etc.
  • Minimum distances to boundaries, watercourses (including dams), other buildings, swimming pools, tennis courts and driveways. These distances can be found in the Environment Protection Authority Code of Practice (891.4).
  • Where livestock is kept – as they can’t be kept on an effluent disposal area.
  • Distance to nearby trees and native vegetation.

Before you apply

  • Check your planning permit for any conditions relating to septic systems.
  • Speak to a licensed plumber about the types of septic tank systems available and the best type of system to meet your needs. You will need to choose a system that’s approved by the EPA. 

Submit your application

In your application you will need to include:

  • The plumber’s details including their licence number.
  • The signature of the owner of the property and the licensed plumber employed to undertake the works.
  • A site plan showing exactly where the septic system will be installed, including the effluent disposal area.
  • A copy of the floor plan, showing the number of bedrooms and studies.
  • A copy of the Land Capability Assessment, if you were required to have one.

Apply for a permit to install(PDF, 90KB)

Fees

Generally your plumber will send payment with the application. We can also send you an invoice after we receive your application. 

Cost is $747.37 (2022-2023)

After you apply

After you submit your application, if Council still requires a payment we will be in touch with an invoice. 

To pay the relevant registration fee, contact the Environmental Health team on 9433 3340 or email health.services@nillumbik.vic.gov.au for the relevant fee. Current fees available online

A Council officer will assess your application and organise a site inspection (generally within 5-10 business days). If your application is approved, Council will send a ‘permit to install a septic tank system’ to the plumber listed on your application.

Approval to use a septic tank system

When you get a final inspection on your septic system, Council will also issue a permit to use a septic tank system. There is no additional cost for this permit and you don’t need to apply again.

To obtain a certificate to use a septic tank system you will need:

  • A final inspection - your plumber should contact Council to organise this once the septic system has been installed and before it has been completely backfilled. Council requires at least two days’ notice.
  • A Certificate of Compliance from the Victorian Building Authority (your plumber will organise this).
  • A commission report (if applicable).
  • An accurate, to scale, as-constructed site plan.
  • A copy of the maintenance service agreement if you’ve installed an Aerated Wastewater Treatment System.