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Driveway & Ancillary works

If you are planning to undertake works between your property boundary and the kerb and gutter or road (Council land), then you must seek consent from Council under Section 138 of the Roads Act, 1993.

The following process applies to all vehicular crossing and ancillary works proposals, and may be categorised as:

  1. Part of a Development Application (DA)
  2. Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
  3. New vehicular crossing construction
  4. Replacement/removal of an existing vehicular crossing or
  5. Ancillary works such as, kerb & gutter or footpath works (excluding stormwater connections.  Consent for this type of work must be gained through the lodgement of a Road Reserve Opening by Private Contractor Application)

 

Development Applications (DA) & Complying Development Certificates (CDC)

Where the vehicular crossing and ancillary works form part of a DA or CDC, the issuing of Development Consent does not guarantee automatic consent of the proposed vehicular crossing or ancillary works in the road reserve. Approval granted under a DA or CDC is for the applicants proposed works within the property boundary only and does not extend to works in the road reserve. Separate consent is required for works exterior of the property boundary, irrespective of proposed exterior works being indicated on the approved DA or CDC plans.

If you intend to construct a new hardstand car space or extend an existing hardstand car space, and/or hardstand car space with carport over within the front setback area of your property, then you will need development approval from Council first. Please refer to Part 5.3.8 of the Canada Bay Development Control Plan for further information. Details on the development application process can be found on the DA Process section of our website.

 

Vehicular Crossing Location &/or Ancillary Works - A 2 part consent process

Step One: Obtain written consent for the LOCATION of the works:

If you are looking to carry out any of the below listed works, you must apply for and obtain written consent through the lodgement of the relevant Vehicular Crossing Location &/or Ancillary Works application in the first instance:

  • Construct new vehicular crossover
  • Construct new footpath and/or kerb and gutter within property frontage
  • Extend existing vehicular crossover
  • Remove existing vehicular crossover and kerb invert
  • Repair/replace an existing driveway crossover
  • Repair or reconstruct kerb and gutter within property frontage
  • Repair or reconstruct footpath within property frontage
  • Widen existing vehicular crossover.

Once written Consent is issued. continue to Step Two.

Step Two: Obtain written consent to UNDERTAKE the works

Consent must be gained for the construction of the vehicular crossing &/or ancillary works through the lodgement of a Vehicular Crossing &/or Ancillary Works Construction by Private Contractor application.

Below, you will find information on the steps required in order to obtain Driveway and Ancillary Works consent. It is important you read the following steps and information carefully before lodging an application.

More information

Step 1 - Understanding Council's driveway and ancillary works approval process

City of Canada Bay adopts a two-part process that you must adhere to in order to seek vehicular crossing and ancillary works consent.

1. Obtain consent for the location of the proposed vehicular crossing and/or ancillary works

Once you have determined the vehicular crossing location and/or design in accordance with Council’s specifications you are required to submit a vehicular crossing location &/or ancillary works application. The purpose of this application is for Council to assess the suitability of your proposed location for vehicular crossing &/or ancillary works. The application is also used to assess requests for modification, repair and reinstatement of existing driveways to ensure compliance to Council's current standards.

Please note: you cannot apply for the construction of works through this application.

2. Obtain consent for a private contractor to carry out works 

Once you have received vehicular crossing location &/or ancillary works consent in writing, you are required to submit a vehicular crossing &/or ancillary works construction by private contractor application.

Please note: no work should commence without Council's written permission granting construction consent.

Step 2 - Review Council's driveway and ancillary works process and construction specification document

You are strongly advised to download and read Council’s Engineering Requirements for Development - Technical Specification with Appendices document prior to lodging your application. The information in the document outlines Council’s process and requirements for driveways and ancillary works.

Step 3 - Preparing and submitting your driveway and ancillary works location application

The purpose of the Driveway and Ancillary Works Location Application is for Council to assess the suitability of a driveway and/or ancillary works at your proposed location. The form is also used to assess requests for modification, repair and reinstatement of existing driveways to ensure compliance to Council's current standards. It is your responsibility to determine the correct development type and the number of driveways permitted under Council’s specification prior to submitting the application.

You will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee upon submission of the application form, as well as provide all required documentation. The type of works you are looking to undertake will determine the documentation that you are required to provide. Please ensure that you have read and obtained all the relevant documentation required in the customer check list before submission. If your application involves more than one driveway, you will need to submit all information required for both. You may need to consult with an architect or engineer to assist you with the preparation of documentation required.

 

Step 4 - Documentation required for driveway and ancillary works location application

Council's driveway application form is designed to assist you in preparing and lodging the correct plans and documentation with your driveway application. Below is a breakdown of the information that you are required to submit with your application based upon the proposed works you are looking to undertake.

Construct a new driveway or repair/replace an existing driveway not using the existing levels

1. Completed 'Diagram – Plan of typical driveway' template for all driveway entries required

You are required to provide all measurements for your proposed driveway as highlighted on the template as well as indicate and provide distances for any obstacles in proximity to your proposed driveway such as trees, power poles, pits, services, stormwater outlets, etc. 

2. Longitudinal profile of proposed driveway(s) complying with the AS/NZS 2890.1:2004 off street parking code

The longitudinal profile supplied should transition from the centre of the road to the area within your property boundary where you park your vehicle (see example link below).

You may need to consult with an architect/engineer to provide you with the required levels and drawing.

Please take care when detailing the longitudinal profile for the road, as the road profile does vary, and often is steeper as it approaches the gutter.

3. If part of a DA and your DA application has been approved, the latest approved Council drawings detailing the proposed driveway and/or ancillary works must be provided 

You will also be required to provide the swept path details in accordance with AS/NZS 2890.1:2004.

4. For all non-DA applications, drawings detailing the location of the proposed driveway and/or ancillary works must be provided

Extend/repair/replace an existing driveway using existing levels

1. Completed 'Diagram – Plan of typical driveway' template for all driveway entries required

You are required to provide all measurements for your proposed driveway as highlighted on the template as well as indicate and provide distances for any obstacles in proximity to your proposed driveway such as trees, power poles, pits, services, stormwater outlets, etc.

2. If part of a DA and your DA application has been approved, the latest approved Council drawings detailing the proposed driveway and/or ancillary works must be provided. 

3. For all non-DA applications, drawings detailing the location of the proposed driveway and/or ancillary works must be provided.

Please note: If the information submitted is incomplete or insufficient then this may delay the processing of your application.

Driveway Location Application documents

Step 5 - Assessment and determination of your driveway and ancillary works location application

Council's Civil Infrastructure Department. Development consent granted through a DA does not grant the applicant approval for works external to the property boundary, irrespective of the proposed works being identified on the approved DA plans.

1. Inspector assigned to your application 

Once your application has been received by Council's Civil Infrastructure Department an inspector will be assigned to review your application. If the plans and/or documentation you have submitted are incomplete or insufficient then you will be advised of this in writing. No further action will be taken regarding your application until this information has been received by Council. If the information requested is not provided within twenty one (21) days from the date you are notified then your application will be refused.

2. Joint site inspection with Council inspector

Council's Civil Infrastructure Department will contact you to book a joint inspection with your allocated inspector. The purpose of the inspection is to confirm the scope of works you are proposing to undertake and determine site suitability. You are required on site for this inspection and failure to attend the appointment can result in additional inspection fees being charged and possible refusal of your application.

Following the joint inspection, the inspector will liaise with all relevant Council departments that may impact your application. If further site inspections are required you will be contacted by the Civil Infrastructure Department.

3. Request for further information

If further information is required following the initial inspection, Council will notify the applicant in writing regarding what documentation is required. The application will not progress until this information has been received by Council. If the information requested is not provided within twenty (21) days from the date you are notified, then your application will be assessed 'as-is' and will likely be refused.

4. Application determination

Once the above has been satisfied, Council's Civil Infrastructure Department will notify you in writing of the decision. Once an application has been determined, Council considers the application closed. 

If you are successful with your application then in your written approval you will be advised of the details relating to the process and costs involved should you choose to engage a private contractor, and if requested, a quotation from Council to construct the proposed works. Approvals associated with either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) are valid for the same approval duration as the DA or CDC. An approved DA/CDC is currently valid for five years, and requires commencement of activities relevant to the DA/CDC within the five year period. Approvals not associated with one of these type of applications are valid for twelve months from the date of issue. If your approval expires, then you will be required to re-submit a new application and pay all associated fees.

If your application is refused and you wish to appeal, you will need to submit a new application and pay all relevant fees. Please be advised that submission of a new application does not guarantee approval. If there is no additional information in support of a new application then you are advised not to submit it as the outcome is likely to be the same.

Step 6 - Nominating a Private Contractor to construct the driveway

In order to nominate a Private Contractor and gain consent to construct your driveway or undertake ancillary works, you are required to a Vehicular Crossing Location &/or Ancillary Works Construction by Private Contractor application.  

This is to be lodged after receiving your Vehicular Crossing Location &/or Ancillary Works consent and no sooner than one month prior to works being scheduled.

 

Step 7 - Private contractor requirements

In order for Council to consider approval for your nominated contractor, they must provide the following documentation to meet Council's minimum requirements, as listed below. All documents must be provided when submitting the Driveway and Ancillary Works Construction by Private Contractor Application form.

Required documentation

1. A copy of the contractor’s public liability insurance to the value of $20 million for a minimum period of six months indemnifying the City of Canada Bay must be provided. The indemnification of Council must be stipulated on the Certificate of Currency that is to be submitted to Council

2. A copy of the contractor’s licence valid for a minimum period of six months must be provided to Council

3. A copy of the traffic control management plan (TCP) must be provided for the proposed construction works

4. A copy of the road occupancy licence (ROL) obtained from RMS must be provided if proposed works are on a state road. For a list of state roads, refer to the driveway FAQ section.

Highly Recommended documentation

It is highly recommended that you complete and submit a ‘Pre-commencement damage report’. This is to ensure that pre-existing damage is not attributed to the property owner. Please click here to download the application or alternatively a copy can be obtained from Council’s Customer Services department.

Note:  If you have a current associated application lodged with Council that required the lodgement of a damage report, then you do not need to submit another one.

Step 8 - Determination of your driveway and ancillary works construction by private contractor application

Council must either approve or refuse your driveway and ancillary works construction by private contractor application. All driveway applications are determined by Council's Civil Infrastructure department.

If you are successful with your application you will be given approval for construction by private contractor in writing. Once you have received this approval you can commence works as outlined in your driveway and ancillary works location approval.

No works are to commence until written approval for the construction of driveway and/or ancillary works has been issued by Council. If works are commenced prior to Council issuing approval, then the property owner will be liable for an ‘un-authorised road works’ penalty fee and a stop work notice could be issued. Refer to Council’s fees and charges.

Please note: if it is a condition of your approval that you must have a pre-excavation inspection, then no works are to commence until this inspection has been arranged and carried out with Council’s inspector. If your application is refused, you can either submit a new driveway and ancillary works construction by private contractor application form providing new private contractor details or proceed with Council’s quotation. If the quotation supplied by Council has expired, please contact us and we will supply you with a new quote.

Step 9 - Construction by private contractor inspection process

It is a condition of approval that set inspections occur when a private contractor has been engaged to undertake works on your behalf. The inspections required for your application are highlighted in your driveway and ancillary works location approval. A breakdown of each inspection type is provided below.

Pre-excavation

When requesting an inspection please ensure that you quote your construction approval number.

If it is a condition of your approval that a pre-excavation inspection should be carried out then this needs to take place prior to commencement of works. The purpose of this inspection is to confirm and advise your contractor regarding the scope of works.

You are required to contact Council on 9911 6555 to request this inspection. At least 48 hours notice must be provided for Council to arrange the inspection. Council’s Civil Infrastructure department will contact you to confirm the inspection date and time.

The contractor is required on site for this inspection and failure to attend the appointment can result in additional inspection fees being charged.

Formwork

When requesting an inspection please ensure that you quote your construction approval number.

The purpose of this inspection is to confirm that the formwork constructed adheres to Council standards prior to the pouring of concrete.

If you are constructing more than one driveway, then each entry must be ready for inspection at the same time. If all works are not ready for inspection at the same time then a re-inspection fee will be charged.

You are required to contact Council on 9911 6555 to request this inspection. At least 48 hours notice must be provided to Council to arrange the inspection. Council’s Civil Infrastructure department will contact you to confirm the inspection date and time.

The contractor is required on site for this inspection and failure to attend the appointment can result in additional inspection fees being charged.

Final

When requesting an inspection please ensure that you quote your construction approval number. 

 Please note: Only the applicant can request this inspection.

The purpose of this inspection is to confirm that the works constructed and the reinstatement of public infrastructure meet Council standards. All works are to be completed before a final inspection is requested.

If you are constructing more than one driveway, then each entry must be ready for inspection at the same time. If all works are not ready for inspection at the same time then a re-inspection fee will be charged.

You are required to contact Council on 9911 6555 to request this inspection within 72 hours of completing works. At least 48 hours notice must be provided to Council to request an inspection.

Additional/re-inspections

If an additional inspection or re-inspection is required then these will carry a charge as per Council's fees and charges. The fee applies to each subsequent inspection required outside the stated number outlined in your driveway location approval.

An exception to the fee being charged is where Council is notified 24 hours prior to an appointment to re-arrange or in the instance of poor weather conditions at the inspector's discretion.

Where you are required to book one of these inspections you need to contact Council on 9911 6555 to request this inspection by quoting your construction approval number. At least 48 hours notice must be provided to Council to arrange the inspection. Council’s Civil Infrastructure department will contact you to confirm the inspection date and time.

If the Inspector advises that you are required on site for this inspection, failure to attend the appointment can result in additional inspection fees being charged.

Step 10 - Refund of security deposit

Following a final inspection, if all works are completed to Council's standards then a request will be sent to Council’s Finance department to request a release of the bond. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact Council and request a final inspection.

If works are found to be incomplete, non-compliant or not to Council's standards then the applicant will be notified of the outcome in writing. These works will need to be remedied by the applicant or alternatively Council can complete these on your behalf at a cost which is identified in the letter. If the applicant elects to remedy the works themselves then a re-inspection fee will apply. 

If upon re-inspection, the works are still found to be incomplete, non-compliant or not to Council's standards then Council will carry out the works. This will be at a cost to the applicant and the amount deducted from the applicant's bond. If the cost to remedy the works is less than the bond, then a request will be sent to Council’s Finance department to request the refund of the remaining amount once rectification works have been completed.

The applicant will be required to pay all additional inspection/re-inspection fees before the release of the bond can be arrange. If these fees are not paid within the time parameters outlined, then Council will deduct the costs from the applicants bond and refund the remainder.

Driveway application FAQ

Following is a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the City of Canada Bay driveway application process. If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact Council on 9911 6555.

If I have a Development Approval (DA) for my driveway, do I require a Driveway approval?

Development Approval (Consent) relates only to work within your property boundary. Approval or non-approval of your driveway and ancillary works from your property boundary to the kerb and gutter or road (Council land) can only be confirmed when a formal Driveway and Ancillary Works Application is lodged with Council and a written response issued by Council’s City Services team. 

Please note: Council adpots a two-part approval process for driveway and ancillary works.

What are ancillary works?

Ancillary works refers to any works other than driveways and laybacks, such as footpath construction or reconstruction, road pavements, stormwater drainage pits and the like, within public infrastructure (Council land).

How long is my Driveway and Ancillary Works Location Approval valid for?

Driveway Location approval associated with either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) are valid for the same approval duration as the DA or CDC. An approved DA/CDC is currently valid for five (5) years, and requires commencement of activities relevant to the DA/CDC within the five (5) year period.

Approvals not associated with one of these type of applications are valid for twelve (12) months from the date of issue

If your approval expires, you will be required to submit a new application and pay all applicable fees.

I want to repair my driveway, do I need to apply for Council approval?

If you are planning works from your property boundary to the kerb and gutter or road then you will need to submit a Driveway and Ancillary Works Application to Council. This is stipulated to ensure that the reconstruction is carried out to Council standards.

Please Note: Council adopts a two-part Driveway and Ancillary Works approval process.

What are the development types and how do I know which one applies to me?

The costs associated with Council's Driveway and Ancillary Works Location Application are based on the type of development you are looking to undertake and the number of driveway entries you are applying for.

The classification for each development type is stipulated below. Please read the information thoroughly before submitting your application form as the application fees are non-refundable. Refer to Council's fees and charges for current application fees.

Residential single driveway

Council classifies a residential single driveway as an owner occupied, single dwelling property with a single driveway. If you are repairing/extending/removing an existing driveway or constructing a new single driveway then this development type applies to you. This development type is for properties that will have a single driveway at the property only.

If you already have an existing driveway and are seeking approval for a second driveway then you need to apply for either the duplex/residential driveways < 3 storey or industrial/commercial/residential driveways > 3 storey development type (see next heading).

Please ensure that you read Council's specification document on the number of driveways permitted before submitting an application. 

Duplex/residential driveways < 3 storey

Council classifies duplex/residential driveways < 3 storey as residential properties less than three (3) stories in height.

Duplexes may be permitted to have a single combined driveway, however the maximum width may be assessed as if the site was for a single dwelling, or a width that would be sufficient to permit only one vehicular movement to enter and exit the site in a forward direction. If you are seeking to apply for a single combined driveway the number of entries you enter on the application form is one (1). If you are seeking approval for two (2) separate driveways then the number of entries you enter on the application form is two (2).

If you already have an existing residential driveway and are seeking approval for a second driveway then this development applies to you.

Please ensure that you read Council's specification document on the number of driveways permitted before submitting an application.  

Industrial/commercial/residential driveways > 3 storey

Council classifies industrial/commercial/residential driveways > 3 storey as properties greater than three (3) stories in height and where a property may currently have or intend to construct separate entry and exit points or there are two (2) or more entry levels or multiple ramps.

Please ensure that you read Council's specification document on the number of driveways permitted before submitting an application.  

If I have site plans for my driveway do I still need to submit the Driveway Plan Template?

Site Plans generally provide a basic indication of where the driveway is proposed to be constructed. Council’s Driveway Plan Template requests more comprehensive dimensional information that will assist in determining whether your proposed driveway complies with Council’s specification, and can be constructed.

Is my property on a State road, and if so what do I have to do?

If the proposed work is located on any of the following streets/roads, you will be required to obtain a Road Occupancy Licence from the RMS (Traffic Management Centre) prior to the lodgement of the Driveway &/or Ancillary Works Construction by Private Contractor application form:

  • Victoria Road
  • Concord Road
  • Parramatta Road
  • Homebush Bay Drive
  • Ramsay Road, Five Dock
  • Queens Road, Five Dock
  • Bayswater Street, Drummoyne
  • Westbourne Street, Drummoyne
  • Marlborough Street, Drummoyne
  • Gipps Street/Patterson Street, Concord
  • Lyons Road between Great North Road and Victoria Road
  • Leicester Avenue between Parramatta Road and Raw Square
  • Fairlight Street between Ramsay Road and Great North Road
  • Great North Road between Parramatta Road and Lyons Road