FACT FILE
Rainwater Tanks
OVERVIEW
This Fact File is for people who are considering the installation of domestic rainwater tanks.
WHY INSTALL A RAINWATER TANK?
Mornington Peninsula Shire strongly encourages the installation of rainwater tanks for domestic
purposes to help conserve water and reduce storm water runoff.
The average Melbourne household uses around 270,000 litres of water a year, and about half of this is
used to flush toilets and on the garden. By using rain water from your tank to water your garden or to
flush toilets inside your home you can help us as a community to make more effective use of our
valuable drinking water supplies.
DO I NEED A PLANNING PERMIT?
The installation of a water tank which is to be used for domestic purposes and has a capacity not more
than 4500 litres does not require a planning permit unless the land is affected by a Heritage Overlay.
The installation of water tanks which have a capacity greater than 4500 litres, or are to be used for other
purposes, may require a planning permit depending on the planning controls affecting the site.
To find out what zones and overlays affect your land you can:
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Obtain a free Planning Property Report by visiting www.land.vic.gov.au – Property Reports; or
via the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure website:
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/planningschemes - Get a Planning Property Report.
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Apply for a planning certificate.
Applications for Mornington Peninsula Shire planning certificates can be obtained through
LANDATA, the current planning certificate supplier on behalf of the Minister for Planning:
www.landata.vic.gov.au.
Alternatively, contact the Shire’s Statutory Planning team (03) 5950 1010 to determine if a planning
permit is required.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN A PLANNING PERMIT IS REQUIRED?
When assessing a planning permit application for a water tank, Council will take into consideration:
 Whether the water tank is in keeping with the neighbourhood character, heritage and landscape
values of the site.
 The colours and materials used in its construction.
 The distance the water tank will be setback from adjoining properties and buildings.
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If an alternative location or design for the tank would better meet the planning objectives for the
site or reduce the loss of significant vegetation.
When building a new dwelling it is a good idea to consider the location and type of rainwater tanks
required before the dwelling is constructed.
For dwellings which require a planning permit any rainwater tanks should be included as a part of the
same permit application.
If no planning permit is required for the dwelling then provision should be made for the location of water
tanks which would meet the requirements of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
The Building Act 1993 and associated Regulations also provide for the control of water tanks. Building
permits are not required to be obtained to install a water tank provided that the tank and stand are
located to encroach not more than 500mm into the existing setback of the wall to the side and rear title
boundaries of your allotment.
The overflow pipe for the tank must be reconnected to the existing underground storm water system to
alleviate storm water being discharged over your land or that of your neighbour.
If constructing a tank on a raised platform or stand, a Building Permit is not required, however the
structure must be capable of withstanding the loads imposed. Always check with a structural engineer to
ensure that the footings and frame are adequate.
Even if the tank is exempt from a planning and building Permit, a planning permit may still be required for
the support stand.
For more information visit:
Green Plumber:
www.greenplumber.com.au
Save Water:
www.savewater.com.au
South East Water:
www.southeastwater.com.au
Sustainability Victoria: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
DO YOU REQUIRE MORE INFORMATION?
For more information on installing a domestic rainwater tank please contact South East Water on
132 812 or online at www.southeastwater.com.au
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service on: 1300 850 600 or 5950 1000.
CHECKLIST FOR LODGING A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION
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Complete the Application for a Planning Permit form;
Payment of the prescribed application fee (if applicable);
Provide a full, current copy of title (no less than three months old) for each individual parcel of
land forming the subject site. (The titles includes: the covering ‘registered search statement’, the
title plan of subdivision and the associated documents known as instruments e.g. restrictive
covenants or Section 173 agreements);
Attach three copies of a plan(s) - include one reduced copy of A4 or A3 plans if A2 or above (at a
preferred scale of 1:100 or 1:200 and north point) and supporting information including:
o The layout of the site and adjacent premises showing:
o The setbacks between the proposed water tank and all existing buildings and boundaries.
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Contours/levels (preferably relative to the Australian Height Datum).
Extent of earthworks
Easements.
Vehicle access ways.
Vegetation, with any vegetation which is to be lopped or removed clearly indicated.
Elevations of the proposed water tank, showing the following details:
The materials that the tank will be constructed from including colours.
The dimensions, capacity and maximum height of the water tank.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information about lodgement of a planning application, fees, forms and general planning
information visit the Planning section of our website:
http://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Building_Planning/Planning
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