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Building near overhead powerlines

Victorian building practitioners involved in the design, construction or certification of building work need to be aware that it is a legal requirement to maintain minimum clearance at all times between structures and overhead powerlines.

Victorian building practitioners involved in the design, construction or certification of building work need to be aware that it is a legal requirement to maintain minimum clearance at all times between structures and overhead powerlines. Failure to consider local overhead powerlines before construction begins can result in penalties and expensive project delays, not to mention serious safety risks for property owners, contractors and the public.

The VBA recommends that building practitioners note the information summarised in the Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) brochure Building design near overhead powerlines, and bring the requirements to the attention of the property owner if there are concerns about the proximity of a worksite to overhead powerlines.

If more information is needed, advice can be obtained from ESV or the relevant electricity distributor. Contact phone numbers are provided in the brochure.