Building over agreement (BOA) law is a legal process that enables property owners to build over public sewers. It is a law that is designed to help homeowners who wish to build on their land but are obstructed by public sewers. BOA allows these property owners to construct or extend their buildings over public sewers without causing any significant damage to them.
The BOA law has been established to ensure that the public sewer network continues to function efficiently without hindering the development of the built environment. The legislation was introduced in 2011 through the Water Industry Act. It is applied to all public sewers that lie within the confines of a private property.
Under the BOA law, property owners must enter into an agreement with the sewerage undertaker responsible for the public sewer before commencing any construction. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions of building over the public sewer. Before granting the agreement, the sewerage undertaker will carry out an assessment of the proposed development to ensure that it complies with the necessary requirements and standards.
BOA agreements typically require property owners to meet specific requirements, including ensuring that their building plans do not impact the structural integrity of the public sewer. Property owners must also adhere to the required standards of construction, ensuring that the building work is safe, well-maintained, and does not cause any damage to the sewer.
Building over a public sewer without a BOA agreement is illegal. Failure to comply with the BOA law can result in severe penalties, including forcing the property owner to remove the structure or pay compensation for any damage caused to the public sewer. Property owners must also ensure that they comply with any relevant building regulations and obtain planning permission before proceeding with construction.
BOA law is an essential legal process that ensures that the built environment can continue to develop without adversely affecting public sewer systems. As a property owner, it is crucial to understand the BOA law and the importance of obtaining an agreement before building over a public sewer. Adhering to BOA law will guarantee that your building plans comply with the necessary regulations and standards, ensuring the safety and integrity of public sewer systems.