City of Newcastle - Section 68 Activity

Section 68 Activity

Apply to carry out activities under Section 68 of the Local Government Act.

Last updated on: 30 January 2026

In this article

Section 68 Activity (S68)
Application information
What you need to provide
Application fees
Related articles
Submit application
Next steps
Time frames

Section 68 Activity (S68)

Approval is required to carry out specific activities under the Local Government Act. This application form is intended for standalone Section 68 applications only and should not be used for applications submitted in conjunction with a Development Application.

Activity types

These include:

installing a manufactured home, moveable dwelling, or related structure
operating a public car park
running a caravan park or camping ground
operating a manufactured home estate
installing a fixed domestic heating appliance (not portable)
installing or operating amusement devices.

Including a S68 as part of your Development Application (DA)

Most Section 68 activities can be approved as part of your Development Application (DA). Choose the relevant option on the DA form, then there's no need to submit a separate Section 68 application if it's included this way.

Application information

Certificate validity

Water, sewer, or stormwater work

Section 68 approvals are generally not required for water supply, sewerage, or stormwater drainage work on land within the Hunter Water service area, as these are regulated under the Hunter Water Act 1991.
City of Newcastle still assesses stormwater drainage as part of Development Applications (DAs), separate from Section 68.
If a property is not connected to Hunter Water's sewer system, a Section 68 approval from us is required for on-site sewage management systems, such as septic tanks. This is handled under the applications:
Approval to Install Onsite Sewer
Approval to Operate Onsite Sewer

Objections to application of regulations and local policies

If an application under Section 68 involves a proposal that is inconsistent with any provisions of regulations or a local policy, then the application should include an objection to the relevant provisions, specifying the grounds of the objection. If City of Newcastle is satisfied that an objection is well founded, then the concurrence of a relevant officer of the State will be required before an approval can be granted. This process commonly applies to applications to install a manufactured home, moveable dwelling or associated structure, that are often inconsistent with regulations, but may apply to other types of activities.

What you need to provide

This section will help you prepare a complete application; however additional information may be requested after our initial review.

Owners consent

This application type requires owner's consent.

However, if you are the sole owner of the property and you are the one completing this form, you do not need to complete the owner's consent form.

Owner's consent is only required if:

You are not the sole owner, or
The property has multiple owners.
In such cases, you must obtain consent by having all owners complete and sign the Owner's Consent form and include it with your application.

Application fees

There are no fees payable when you submit your application. We'll invoice you after your application and preferences have been reviewed.

If you'd like a fee estimate before applying, search for the application name in our Fees and Charges document.

Approval to Install Onsite Sewer System - also covered by S68 of the LGA however, is covered by a different application form.
Approval to Operate Onsite Sewer System - also covered by S68 of the LGA however, is covered by a different application form.

Submit application

Complete the application form

Apply Now

Email it to us

Enter the address of the property and the type of application (e.g.,1 Sample Street Newcastle - S68 Activity Application) in the subject line of the email.
Emails are to be sent to applications@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Next steps

Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we've received it, along with an invoice for the application fees.
Your application will be assessed, which may include reviewing site plans, supporting documents, and compliance with relevant standards.
A site inspection may be scheduled, depending on the nature of the activity.
You'll be notified of the outcome on the assessment activity.

Time frames

Approval times for Section 68 applications can vary depending on the type of activity and whether it's linked to a Development Application (DA).
If it's part of a DA, it may be processed more quickly.
Standalone applications may take longer, especially if additional information or inspections are needed.

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Section 68 Activity

Section 68 Activity

Section 68 Activity (S68)

Activity types

Including a S68 as part of your Development Application (DA)

Application information

Certificate validity

Water, sewer, or stormwater work

Objections to application of regulations and local policies

What you need to provide

Owners consent

Application fees

Related articles

Submit application

Complete the application form

Email it to us

Next steps

Time frames