Building Over Council Asset/Easement
What is Building Over Council Asset/Easement?
Council Assets: Council assets refer to properties or infrastructure that are owned, maintained, or regulated by local government authorities. These assets can include sewage pipes, water supply lines, roads, drainage systems and more. Building over a council asset typically involves constructing a structure close to these council-controlled assets.
Easements: Easements are legal rights that allow someone other than the landowner to use a portion of a property for a specific purpose. This could include granting access for utility companies to maintain their infrastructure, or creating a right-of-way for pedestrians. Building over an easement means that construction will take place in an area where others have legal access or usage rights.
Challenges and Considerations
Building over council assets or easements can be a complex process due to the potential impact on existing infrastructure, regulations, and safety concerns. Here are some key considerations:
- Regulations and Permits: Local councils have strict regulations and permit requirements governing construction near or over their assets. Compliance is crucial to avoid legal issues and delays.
- Engineering and Safety: Building over council assets requires engineering assessments to ensure that the construction won’t compromise the integrity of existing infrastructure or pose safety risks.
- Access and Maintenance: The construction should not obstruct access for maintenance or repair of council assets. Easements must remain accessible for the authorized parties.
- Utility Relocation: In some cases, utilities may need to be relocated to accommodate the construction, which can involve additional coordination and costs.
- Liabilities: Property owners are typically responsible for the cost of any damage to council assets or easements caused by the construction.
The Building Process
To build over a council asset or easement, property owners or developers must follow a structured process:
- Engage a Professional: Hire an architect or engineer experienced in dealing with council assets and easements to design a structure that complies with regulations.
- Obtain Necessary Approvals: Apply for permits and approvals from the local council and relevant authorities. This may include planning permissions, building permits, and compliance with relevant codes.
- Engineering Assessments: Conduct engineering assessments to ensure that the construction will not compromise the council assets or easements.
- Construction: Once approvals are in place, commence the construction work according to the approved plans, with strict adherence to the safety and access requirements.
- Monitoring and Compliance: Throughout the construction process, monitor and document the work to ensure compliance with approved plans and regulations.
- Completion: After construction is finished, ensure that the council assets or easements are returned to a condition acceptable to the local authority.
Building over a council asset or easement requires a specific set of skills, knowledge, and expertise to navigate the intricate regulatory landscape and ensure a successful construction project. Building Engineers in this field play a crucial role in facilitating and executing these complex projects. Their primary responsibility is to guide property owners, developers, and construction teams through the process while ensuring strict compliance with local regulations and safety standards. We design and plan the construction to minimize any disruption or damage to existing council assets while ensuring the safety of the project. We provide expert advice on securing the necessary permits and approvals, working closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes and legal requirements.