Granny flat or second home
If you're building a granny flat, second home, dual occupancy home, primary and secondary home or duplex, you'll need Hunter Water to asses your building plans before construction starts.
We'll check if your project can connect to our water and sewer network and let you know what requirements you need to meet. Once you've met these requirements, we'll issue a Section 50 Certificate.
Follow these steps
1. Before you start
Check what's on your property
Choose one of the following:
Option 1: Get a free utility plan
Use Before You Dig Australia to see the location of underground services on your property.
Option 2: Buy a Hunter Water asset location plan
Purchase a detailed asset location plan if you need more information about our assets on your property.
Found an asset on your plan?
View our photos and descriptions to help identify it and see whether it may affect your project.
Important: If your project is close to or over our pipes or assets, you may need to submit a build over asset application ($183). A build over asset application helps protect our assets and maintain access for future repairs.
If you're unsure, submit your plans and we'll include this in your application at no additional cost.
Get your plans ready
When you submit your application, you need to include a complete set of building plans, including:
- Site plan: A drawing that shows your entire property from above. It identifies where the building, driveway, fences and other structures are located on the block.
- Floor plan: A top-down view of the inside of the building. It shows the layout of rooms, walls, doors, windows, and fixtures including kitchens and bathrooms.
- Elevation plan: A drawing that shows what the building will look like from the outside. It shows features like windows, doors, the roof, and external finishes.
File format: PDF or Word, maximum file size: 200 MB
2. Submit your plans
Register or sign in to the Property Self Service Portal to submit your building plans. We'll guide you through the application and tell you what information you'll need.
You can track the status of your application in our Property Self Service Portal.
3. After you apply
Assessment process
Each project is different and may have different requirements. We'll check whether our water and sewer services can support your project. If needed, upgrades may be required to sewer mains, water meters or service connections.
After we assess your application, we'll send you or your representative a letter outlining any requirements you must complete before we can issue your Section 50 Certificate.
Complete the requirements
Once your application is approved and you've met our requirements, we'll issue a Section 50 Certificate. You'll usually need this before a council or private certifier can approve construction.
Connect to our services
Once construction is complete, your plumber can:
- connect your water and sewer services
- apply for any required new connections
- arrange installation of a second water meter, if needed.
About Section 50 certificates
A Section 50 Certificate confirms that your development meets Hunter Water's requirements and can be connected to water and sewer services.
Councils and private certifiers often require it before they can approve construction or occupancy.
Help and advice
Get in touch with our team:
- call us on 1300 657 657 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm)
- use Live Chat during business hours
- send us an email