Plumbing Permits for Work in Multi-Level Developments

Home renovations remain popular among both house and apartment owners. Plumbers should ensure clients are made aware of any plumbing legislative requirements before undertaking alterations or additions to existing plumbing. This is particularly important for owners of apartments in multi-level developments.

Schedule 1, item 10 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 covers fixtures for Class 2–9 buildings. It states that work, other than sanitary drainage, necessary for installing or relocating a fixture in an existing Class 2–9 building of one or two storeys above ground is regulated under this provision.

Replacing a fixture like-for-like in the exact location, without altering pipework, does not require a plumbing submission to the QBCC. Under Schedule 2 of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation, this work is categorised as minor work.

However, where there is a change in position or the addition of a new or different fixture in a Class 2–9 building, a plumbing permit application (Form 1) must be lodged with Council in accordance with sections 44(1)(a) and 52(2) of the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019. The permit application must include details of the work and a floor plan showing the layout of any proposed sanitary fixtures, in accordance with Schedule 6 of the Regulation.

Case example

A bathroom renovation involves removing an existing bath and replacing it with a walk-in shower in the same location. As this technically involves the addition of a new fixture, a Form 1 plumbing permit application must be lodged with Council. The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 also requires a floor plan and plumbing hydraulic drawing to be submitted with the application.

When an apartment owner undertakes a major project such as a bathroom renovation, it is important to notify the Body Corporate of the proposed works. The Body Corporate may require evidence of plumbing permit applications, approvals, and final inspection certificates as part of its legal responsibilities.

Body Corporates play an important role in the management, maintenance, and control of common property on behalf of owners. They are responsible for ensuring that all building works undertaken within the property comply with the National Construction Code and relevant state legislation, including plumbing requirements.

Similarly, where the work involves a connection to or from any part of common property such as a sanitary stack, the Body Corporate assumes ownership responsibilities and has a legal obligation under Division 3, section 70 - Owner’s obligation for operating and maintaining plumbing and drainage, of the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018.

In addition, Body Corporates are responsible for ensuring sanitary plumbing work complies with the Plumbing Code of Australia, including Part C1, Clause CO1(a), which safeguards people from illness, injury, or loss (including loss of amenity) due to the failure of a sanitary plumbing installation, and Clause CP1.1(b), (c), and (d). This is essential to protect the interests of all apartment owners within the building.

For questions and clarifications, call the MPAQ Technical Team on 07 3273 0800.