Clearance between Powerlines and Buildings

Clearance between powerlines and buildings is dependent on the type of construction, the voltage level and the physical location of the lines. The distances are defined in Tables 1 and 4 of Schedule 2 of the Electricity (General) Regulations 1997 .

The Electricity Act 1996 makes provisions for an electricity entity to rectify identified breaches of minimum safety clearances and recover the costs through a court order.

The Technical Regulator is responsible for granting approvals under Section 86 of the Electricity Act 1996 for the erection of buildings in proximity to power lines. Any requests for approval of building within the prescribed safety clearance area are assessed individually taking into consideration the safety of building construction and maintenance as well as the finished building. The Technical Regulator conducts a risk analysis before granting any approval.

The granting of council planning and building approvals do not indicate compliance with all regulatory requirements, including the clearance distances from powerlines. From 1 January 2007, the Development Act 1993 requires development applications to council to include a declaration of compliance with the requirements of the Electricity Act 1996 , regarding safety clearance distances from powerlines.

The brochure Building Safely Near Power Lines describes in detail the requirements of the legislation for aerial and underground powerline clearances and the potential dangers resulting from non-compliance.