Install or alter an Onsite Sewage Management System

Step 1.Complete an OSMS requirements form

Download and complete the Onsite Sewage Management System requirements form(PDF, 212KB)

This needs to be uploaded to the Planning Portal to support your application.

Gather the documents and plans required for the works. 

Step 2.Submit your application on the NSW Planning Portal

• Create an account on the NSW Planning Portal
• Use the NSW Planning Portal to complete the online Section 68 Application.
• The Quick Reference Guide for submitting an application under Section 68 steps you through the process. At Step 9 of the guide:

For new systems select:

• Management of Waste, and
• Install a waste treatment device or a human waste storage facility or a drain connected to any such device or facility, and
• Operate a system of sewage management (within the meaning of section 68A).

To upgrade or amend an existing system

• Alter a waste treatment device or a human waste storage facility, or
• a drain connected to any such device or facility, AND 
• Operate a system of sewage management (within the meaning of section 68A).

Upload all required documents and plans in the correct format. Refer to our guide Electronic document formatting requirements.

Step 3.Council reviews the application

We will contact the applicant if more information is required. If the information is not submitted in a timely manner, or there is critical information missing, the application may be returned. It will then need to be resubmitted.

Step 4.Application accepted

If the application is accepted, an invoice will be sent to the nominated payee. Once payment is received, assessment of your application will start.

See Council's Fees and Charges. 

Step 5.Application approved

A determination notice will be issued that includes a number of conditions that must be met during the construction phase. 

Step 6.Notice of works

Your plumber must submit a Notice of Works for plumbing work no later than two business days before the work is carried out. 

Step 7.Inspections

Approval conditions will identify the stages that inspections need to undertaken.

Inspection bookings are made using the inspection request form. Once the works are finished a final plumbing inspection is undertaken.

Step 8.Issue Approval to Operate

Once the final plumbing inspection is satisfactorily completed, we will issue an Approval to Operate the new system.