Under the Local Government Act 1999, property owners are required to apply and seek authorisation from Council to make any alterations to public land, to Council's specification.
The following are a sample of activities that require approval:
- installing, extending and/or closing a driveway
- installing an electrical underground service from the source to the property boundary
- installing a new stormwater drain
- undertaking landscaping, installing an irrigation system and/or planting a tree on Council's verge
Helpful information before applying
The following fact sheets have been developed for you to consider prior to applying:
General Information for Works on a Public Road
Electrical Underground Service
Irrigation System Installation
Landscaping on the Council Verge
What the costs are
There is a non-refundable application lodgement fee of $54.80 which must be paid upon submission of your application. If an alteration to a Council trees is approved, additional fees may apply. This fee no longer applies to Landscaping on the Council Verge.
What you need to apply
- A copy of the original application form, with all relevant information completed, including a site plan with dimensions.
- Traffic Management Plan
- An application fee of $54.80 must be paid when lodging the application. The fee does not apply to landscaping a Council verge.
Works on Public Roads Frequently Asked Question
What is Council Land?
Council land includes roads, footpaths, verge areas and reserves.
What happens once Council receives an application?
Council will inspect the proposed site to confirm viability of the proposed works including safety and traffic requirements and existing infrastructure conditions.
If the application is approved, a letter will be returned to the property owner. If the application is not approved, Council will contact the property owner to discuss Council’s concerns.
Who can do the works?
Following approval, property owner/s or your contractors are allowed to undertake works within a public road to Council’s standards and satisfaction.
You can also request Council to provide you with a quotation for undertaking the following works:
- Concrete driveway invert (alterations to the concrete kerb and watertable, i.e. new, close and/or extend)
- Paved (ie interlocking pavers similar to pavers used on footpaths) or bituminised driveway crossover (area between property boundary and kerb i.e. new and/or extend)
- Steel stormwater drainage pipes (connection from property boundary to kerb)
to request a quote call 1300 133 466.
Do you need to provide a sketch or plan with your application?
Yes. Each application requires a clear, accurate sketch or plan with dimensions submitted with your application of the proposed works. This provides clear information for Council to assess the proposed works and provides you with a quicker response.
How long prior to proposed works occurring do you need to make the application?
Whilst Council will attempt to process your application quickly, within 10 working days, you should apply four weeks prior to proposed works occurring.
What if there is a street tree located where you want to undertake works?
You must note this on your application form and the location on your sketch. There is some information provided in the fact sheets above. Please contact Council on 1300 133 466 for further information.
What if you are undertaking a development and need to do works on Council land?
If a Development Application lodged with the City of Mitcham requires alterations to a public road (including road, footpath, verge area), some approvals may be obtained during the development assessment process.
Please contact Council's Planning and Development Department on 1300 133 466 for further information.
What about the footpath works program?
Council will upgrade footpaths as part of its annual footpath works program. As part of this program, driveways may also be upgraded to ensure consistency and safety for pedestrians and footpath users.
During the footpath works program Council will reconstruct existing asphalt driveways in paving during the construction of the footpath at Council's cost where the driveway (including the footpath segment through the driveway) does not exceed 40 square metres in area.
In accordance with current Council Policy (Driveways) where the driveway (including footpath segment) exceeds 40 square metres in area, the cost of additional paving work is to be met by the property owner. The driveway will only be reconstructed by Council once the property owner contribution is confirmed. The additional works can be coordinated and arranged through Council’s paving contract at the current competitive contract rate.
What if a property owner or contractor causes damage to Council Land?
All works not completed to the satisfaction of Council may be rectified by Council and all costs will be recovered from the property owner. Please see Damage to Council Land fact sheet for further information.
How do you determine the location where your property meets Council land?
If property owners wish to establish where their property boundaries are, they can engage a licensed surveyor to locate them prior to beginning plans/works.
What materials can't be used for landscaping on the Council verge? There are a number of materials that can be a possible hazard for road users and pedestrians including rocks, pebbles, bricks, garden edging, retaining walls and logs. These materials are not permitted to be used on Council verges. To mitigate the heating effects of climate change, the use of artificial turf is no longer allowed.
I can't find Council's standard for the works I want to do in the fact sheets above, where can I get this information? Council have engineering details to assist residents, builders, developers and contractors with an understanding of Council's engineering standards when undertaking building and development works within the City of Mitcham. These details can be found here
I live in Colonel Light Gardens, can I landscape the Council verge adjacent my property? Colonel Light Gardens is a State Heritage Area and subject to the Heritage Places Act, which protects the heritage value of the whole of the suburb. Due to this, different standards apply within the suburb that may limit options for landscaping on the Council verge. Please contact Council prior to submitting a Works on a Public Road application if you live in Colonel Light Gardens.
Please note if you fail to gain approval and undertake any of the above works on Council land you may:
- Receive a fine
- Face potential legal liability
- Pay for any damage caused to Council infrastructure