Legal Point of Discharge (LPOD)

Stormwater that falls on a property is collected and drained to what is usually the lowest point on the property, which is known as the ‘legal point of discharge’.

If no underground drain is available, the stormwater is drained to the ‘kerb and channel’ in the nearby street.

In some cases, the property owner will be required to construct a new drain to connect with the Council’s stormwater system. This is known as the 'point of connection'.

The property owner is responsible for the construction and maintenance for all drains, including drains outside of the property boundary, up to the Council’s stormwater system.

If you’re building an entirely new structure or undertaking repair works on the roof or to private drains, it’s important not to block stormwater from draining away.

You must ensure that your private drain is connected legally to the Council drainage system or kerb and channel to avoid the stormwater from causing damage.

Equally you do not want anything other than the rain to enter the stormwater system and potentially contaminate our lakes, waterways and the ocean.

The Legal Point of Discharge Report will provide information on:

• The Legal Point of Discharge in accordance with the Building Act
• The Point of Connection
• Advice on the location of any Council's drains, where available
• Advice on additional Building and Planning requirements