Local Government Approvals

What is a Local Government Approval?

A Local Government (LG) approval is required for a broad range of activities that fall under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993.

To obtain a Local Government Approval, you will need to lodge a Local Government Application (commonly referred to as a "Section 68" or an "LG").

Common activities which require a Local Government (S.68) Application to be lodged
  • Water supply, sewerage and stormwater drainage work 
  • Draw water from a Council standpipe
  • Structures or places of public entertainment
  • Management of waste
  • Activity on community land (e.g., a food stall)
  • Operate a Caravan Park or Camping Ground
  • Install a fire place

What approval pathway do I use?

Below is a breakdown of Council's eight Local Government (S.68) Application forms, used for different purposes.

Read through the description of each to understand what will be the correct approval pathway for your activity.

Approval to Operate (ATO) an Onsite Sewage Management System (OSMS)

What is this?

Part C of the Local Government Act 1993 includes:

  • The Approval to Operate an Onsite Sewage Management System. 

Why do I need to apply?

It is now a New South Wales legislated requirement that all On-site Waste Management systems (OSMS) have an 'Approval to Operate' (ATO) regardless of the type or age of the system.

This means that every property owner with an OSMS must ensure that they have a current ATO.

The property owner must apply to Council to obtain and renew their ATO. Following a satisfactory inspection by Council, the OSMS is granted an ATO for a period of time depending on the systems risk category

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

Local Government (S.68) Application Part C Management of Waste Approval to Operate an Onsite Sewage Management System (DEV-008)

To see a breakdown of the application process, visit our submitting an application page. 

Installation or modification of an Onsite Sewage Management System (OSMS)

What is this?

Part C of the Local Government Act 1993 includes:

  • Install, construct or alter a waste treatment device or a human waste storage facility or a drain connected to any such device or facility

 
Why do I need to apply?

If your home is not connected to the sewer, you may have an on-site sewage management system, such as a septic tank, composting toilet or aerated system. Council approval is required for plumbing work being carried out on properties connected to On-site Waste Management systems.

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

BSC - Local Government (S.68) Application Part C - Management of Waste - Approval for Installation or Modification to an Onsite Sewage Management System (DEV-010)

To see a breakdown of the steps in the application process, visit our submitting an application page. 

Water supply, sewerage and stormwater drainage works

What is this?

Part B of the Local Government Act 1993 includes:

  • Carry out water supply work
  • Draw water from a council water supply or a standpipe or sell water so drawn
  • Install, alter, disconnect or remove a meter connected to a service pipe
  • Carry out sewerage work
  • Carry out stormwater drainage work
  • Connect a private drain or sewer with a public drain or sewer under the control of a council or with a drain or sewer which connects with such a public drain or sewer

Why do I need to apply?

As part of your project there may be new connections or disconnections made to Council water/stormwater and or sewer infrastructure. Any plumbing and drainage work must be undertaken by a NSW licensed plumber and requires Council approval and inspection.

All plumbing and drainage work must comply with the current version of the Plumbing Code of Australia and Australia Standard AS/NZS 3500.

The conditions of a development consent may require the issue of a Plumbing and Drainage Permit.

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

Local Government (S.68) Application: Part B Water supply, sewerage and stormwater drainage work (DEV-007).

To see a breakdown of the steps in the application process, visit our submitting an application page. 

Draw water from Councils water supply or standpipe

What is this?

Part B of the Local Government Act 1993 includes:

  • Draw water from a Council water supply or a standpipe or sell water so drawn. 

 
Why do I need to apply?

Council approval is required under Section 68 activity under the Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 for those who are seeking approval to draw water from Councils water supply and sell water as a commercial water carter. 

Visit our webpage more information about operating a business as Water Carter

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

BSC - Local Government (S.68) Application Part B - Water Supply - Draw water from a Council water supply or a standpipe or sell water so drawn.

To see a breakdown of the application process, visit our submitting an application page.

Use of community land or a public road

What is this?

Part D & E of the Local Government Act 1993 includes: 

Activities on Public Land:

  • Engage in a trade or business (including non-fixed food business e.g., food vans, food stalls)
  • Direct or procure a theatrical, musical or other entertainment for the public
  • Construct a temporary enclosure for the purpose of entertainment
  • For fee or reward, play a musical instrument or sing
  • Set up, operate or use a loudspeaker or sound amplifying device
  • Deliver a public address or hold a religious service or public meeting

    Activities on Public Roads:

  • Swing or hoist goods across or over any part of a public road by means of a lift, hoist or tackle projecting over the footway
  • Expose or allow to be exposed (whether for sale or otherwise) any article in or on or so as to overhang any part of the road or outside a shop window or doorway abutting the road, or hang an article beneath an awning over the road

Why do I need to apply?

For any of the above activities that fall under Section 68 of the Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 whereabouts a person is proposing to undertake activities using community land or a public road, Council consent is required, and can not be given retrospectively.

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

BSC - Local Government (S.68) Application Part D & E - Community Land and-or Public Roads (DEV-011)

To see a breakdown of the application process, visit our submitting an application page.

Install a domestic oil or solid fuel heating appliance (fireplace)

What is this?

Part F of the Local Government Act 1993 includes: 

  • Install a domestic oil or solid fuel heating appliance, other than a portable appliance.

Why do I need to apply?

Council approval is required under Section 68 activity under the Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 to install or upgrade a domestic oil or solid fuel (wood heater) in their home.

Using the above application form is not required if approval for installation has already been approved as part of a Development Application.

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

BSC - Local Government (S.68) Application Part F - Other Activities - Install a domestic oil or solid fuel heating appliance, other than a portable applicance (DEV-013)

To see a breakdown of the application process, visit our submitting an application page.

Install a manufactured home, movable dwelling or associated structures on land

What is this?

Part A of the Local Government Act 1993 includes: 

  • Install a manufactured home, moveable dwelling, or associated structure on land.

 
Why do I need to apply?

Council approval is required under Section 68 activity under the Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 to install a manufactured home, moveable dwelling, or associated structure on land  such as a Caravan Park, Camping Ground, Manufactured Home Estate.

This application may also be required to accompany a Development Application for the siting of a Manufactured home or moveable dwelling which is going to be used as Dwelling or Secondary Dwelling on private property

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

BSC - Local Government (S.68) Application Part A - Other Activities - Install a Manufactured Home or Movabale Dwelling or Associated Structures on land (DEV-009)

To see a breakdown of the application process, visit our submitting an application page.

Operate a Caravan Park or Camping Ground

What is this?

Part F of the Local Government Act 1993 includes:

  • Operate a caravan park or camping ground.

Please note: Manufactured home estates or caravan parks must have development consent before applying for an approval to operate.

Why do I need to apply?

Council approval is required under Section 68 activity under the Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 to operate a caravan park or camping ground.

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

BSC - Local Government (S.68) Application Part F - Other Activities - Operate a Caravan Park or Camping Ground (DEV-015)

To see a breakdown of the application process, visit our submitting an application page.

Other activities

What is this?

Part F of the Local Government Act 1993 includes:

  • Operate a public car park
  • Operate a manufactured home estate
  • Install or operate amusement devices
  • Use a standing vehicle or any article for the purpose of selling any article in a public place
  • Carry out an activity prescribed by the regulations, or an activity of a class or description prescribed by the regulations

Why do I need to apply?

Council approval is required under Section 68 activity under the Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 for a wide range of activities listed above. Council approval can not be given retrospectively.

How to apply?

Bellingen Council is accepting applications directly by filling in the below form found on our forms page.

BSC - Local Government (S.68) Application Part F - Other Activities (DEV-013)

To see a breakdown of the application process, visit our submitting an application page.

Common Questions

Planning on building or renovating and don't know where to start?

 

These Frequently Asked Questions may help guide you.

How to apply?

Bellingen Shire Council is accepting Local Government (S.68) Applications via Council application forms. 

 

There are eight different application forms used for a range of different activites.

 

All eight forms are found on our forms page.

 

For a breakdown of the steps in the application process, visit our submitting an application page.

Council Recommendation

If the application process is unfamiliar to you, your application is somewhat complex, it is recommended you engage a suitably qualified consultant to ensure the application meets all the relevant development standards and complies with the Building Code of Australia.

 

This may eliminate incomplete or insufficient applications being lodged, which can slow down application processing times.  

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