Exemptions from development and building approval may apply to certain water tanks provided they comply with relevant provisions of Regulations. Examples of tanks include rainwater tanks, greywater tanks and fire-fighting water tanks.

Exemptions from development approval

The development does not need development approval if it complies with relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008, Schedule 1. The following is a summary of the provisions and is correct as of the date the web page was last updated - scroll to the bottom of the web page to find this - however the Regulation's Schedule may been updated since then. In summary, the development is exempt provided that:

• capacity is not more than 20kL;
• it is not higher than 2.45m above natural ground level;
• it has no part that is between a front boundary and a building line for the block;
• if any part is within 1.5m of a side boundary or a rear boundary of the block, it is the only class 10 building or structure (other than a boundary fence) that has any part within 1.5m of the boundary, or the second exempt building or structure within the boundary clearance area exemption applies;
• complies with relevant general exemption criteria, except criterion 3. 

See definitions to understand the terms in italics.

Exemptions from building approval

The development does not need building approval if it complies with relevant provisions of the Building (General) Regulation 2008, Schedule 1. The following is a summary of the provisions and is correct as of the date the web page was last updated - scroll to the bottom of the web page to find this - however the Regulation's Schedule may been updated since then. In summary, the development is exempt provided that the tank for water:

• capacity is not more than 20kL;
• not more than 2.4m above ground;
• will not affect the structural integrity of any part of a building for which a Certificate of Occupancy or other certificate under the Building Act 2004, part 5, has been issued;
• will not affect a fire-rated wall, ceiling or floor;
• will not affect a ventilation or air-handling system, fire protection system or other mechanical service;
• will not affect a fire escape, emergency lift, stairway, exit or passageway to an exit;
• will not affect the natural light of ventilation available to a building for which a certificate under the Act, part 5, has been issued;
• will not affect the building in a way that reduces its compliance with the Building Code to a level that is less than the minimum requirements of the Code;
• does not involve handling asbestos or disturbing friable asbestos (other than minor maintenance work, i.e. low-speed or hand-drilling, sealing, painting, coating if done personally by the owner or occupier of the premises).

No building approval, licence, notice, certifier, plans, inspections, certificates, design or construction standards required under the Building Act 2004.

General enquiries - (02) 6207 1923

Useful links  Rainwater tanks - guidelines for residential properties in Canberra

                   http://www.thinkwater.act.gov.au/