Infrastructure: Permits and Fees

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Infrastructure - Permits and Fees

In order to ensure safe and effective infrastructure services to residents, the City of Monash requires work in the road reserve or property easement to be done within Council guidelines and specifications. This often involves on site inspections, information retrieval and a thorough approval and documentation process.

In addition under the Road Management Act 2004 it is a requirement for approvals to be obtained for most works undertaken within the road reserve (which includes the road pavement, kerb and channel, footpath, nature strip and vehicle crossing areas). At the City of Monash these approvals come in the form of Permits

Each of the charges below represents the cost of this process. Much effort is put into ensuring that all charges are an accurate representation of the costs involved.

NOTE: the permit costs, fees and information contained within this document are issued as a guide only and may be changed or amended at any time.

Road Opening Permit - from $56.00 + Security
Service Authority Connection Permit - from: $56.00 + Security
Storm Water Connection Permit - from: $56.00 + Security
Vehicle Crossing Permit - from $56.00 + $500 Security (min)
Asset Protection Permit - $155.00 + $1,000 Security (typical)
Occupy Part of a Roadway - from $56.00 + $500 Security (min)
Hoarding Permit - from $130.00 + $500 Security (min)
Skip Bin Permit - $38.00
Access through Reserves Permit - from $103 + Security
Building over Easement - minor $88.00 (from), major $380.00 (from)
Temporary Street Closure - determined on application
Legal Point of Discharge - $36.00 per application

Road Opening/ Service Authority Connection/ Storm Water Connection Permits

A road opening permit is required for:

any works that involve the opening of the nature strip, footpath, or roadway except vehicle crossing works (Refer to the section on "Vehicle Crossing Permits");
a service supply connection either in the road reserve or Council reserve and
a storm water connection either in the road reserve, Council reserve or an easement.

A copy of the Works Manager's Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency and a Traffic Management Plan incorporating a description of protective precautions for both pedestrians and motor vehicles must be provided when obtaining the permit.

For works undertaken by a Contractor on behalf of an owner the following application should be used:
Non Utility Minor Works Within Road Reserve Application (PDF, 160 kB).

Minor Works are typically works such as house drain connections or service connections to properties or similar. The same application is used for stormwater connection works in Easements and Council Reserves as is used for works in the Road Reserve.

For works undertaken by a Utility Authority or their Agent or for works other than minor works the following application should be used:
Works Within Road Reserve Application Form (PDF, 958 kB).

Stormwater Connection Permit

Where the connection involves more than a single dwelling (such as with a unit development) or where a new drain is being constructed through neighbouring property three copies of drainage plans must be submitted and approved by the Council's Engineering Department prior to issuing a permit. Upon approval of the plans, the appropriate charges and conditions are determined and the applicant notified by mail. All storm water connections require an inspection prior to the backfilling of trenches.

A representative of the owner or contractor must be on site at the arranged inspection time. To book the inspection phone 9518 3690 at least 24 hours before the inspection is required. Inspections only conducted during the morning and are not conducted on weekends or public holidays.

Permits for Opening Nature Strip, Footpath, Easement or Road

Road Opening Permits are required for any works that involve opening of the nature strip, footpath, easement, Council reserve or road with the exception of works that have exemptions under the Road Management Act 2004.

Permit to open the Nature strip

In addition to the permit fee and any security deposit that may be required the following conditions apply:

full reinstatement of the nature strip with soil and seed to existing level.

Permit to open the Footpath

In addition to the permit fee and any security deposit that may be required the following conditions apply:

footpath slabs are to be removed in full bays and are to be reinstated to Council standards. Where Council is requested to undertake reinstatement of the footpath bays the amount will be deducted from the security deposit. A quote for the reinstatement works will be supplied if requested. If Council is to reinstate the footpath the area is to be returned to existing footpath level with cold-mix asphalt and Council notified to reinstate the concrete footpath.

Permit to open the Road Pavement

Please Note: Written approval must be obtained from Council's Infrastructure Division prior to any works that will require the opening of any road pavement within the municipality.

In addition to the permit fee and any security deposit that may be required the following conditions apply:

a prior on-site inspection to determine the extent of works, reinstatement arrangements and traffic management;
upon the completion of the works, extracted material is to be disposed of and the opening filled with crushed rock and covered with cold mix bitumen to road level. The Council is to be notified as soon as possible in order to arrange final reinstatement of the road at the permit holder's expense. Costs will be deducted from the security deposit.

If during the works the area is damaged this damage must be reinstated by the permit holder or it shall be reinstated by Council and the expense withdrawn from the security deposit and the balance refunded or invoiced to the permit holder. Where all appropriate reinstatement has been undertaken, a full refund of the deposit will be made to the permit holder.

Vehicle Crossing Permit

Vehicle Crossing Application (PDF, 906 kB)

A permit is required prior to the construction of, or alteration to, any vehicle crossing within the City of Monash.

All crossings are to be constructed to City of Monash Vehicle Crossing Specifications (below).
Vehicle Crossing Specifications (PDF 1,381 kB)

In addition to the permit fee and security deposit some requirements that may effect the approval of the vehicle crossing works are as follows:

The minimum and standard width is 3 metres.
If located within 1.50 metres of an adjoining vehicle crossing, the area between must be constructed to form a double vehicle crossing. Double vehicle crossings are not to be constructed unless approved in writing.
The crossing is to be a minimum of 9 metres from a street corner.
Unless permission is obtained from the appropriate authority, the crossing is to be no less than 1 metre from any existing street furniture, ie. pit, pole, hydrant, bus shelter or parking bay etc.
Unless written permission is obtained from Council, all excavation works for the vehicle crossing are to be 1 metre from the drip line of any existing street tree. The drip line is the outer limit of the tree's canopy.
Redundant crossings are to be removed and the kerb and channel reinstated at the permit holder's expense.
Second vehicle crossings are not generally permitted.
Vehicle crossings on arterial roads require approval by the City of Monash Town Planning Department; and
All industrial/commercial crossings require Town Planning approval and are to be constructed in accordance with City of Monash specifications for industrial vehicle crossings.

These requirements are by no means inclusive of all issues that may be considered in determining whether any vehicle crossing works may be undertaken.

An application form (obtainable from the Engineering Department) must be submitted before approval can be granted for a vehicle crossing. A site inspection is generally conducted and the applicant notified in writing of the result.

An application form is required where the vehicle crossing is approved as part of a Town Planning Permit. However in this case, where the applicant presents a stamped Town Planning plan the permit should be issued over the Counter.

If a vehicle crossing forms part of a Building Permit the crossing is not automatically approved and the application process is to be followed.

Vehicle crossings can be constructed by a Council sub-contractor at the property owners' expense or by an independent contractor. If an independent contractor is used, there is to be an inspection of the vehicle crossing after the area is excavated, before any concrete is poured.

Inspections can be booked up till 3pm prior to the day of inspection by calling 9518 3690 during business hours. Inspections are only made on weekdays excluding weekends or public holidays. A representative of the owner or contractor must be present at the inspection.

In the event that multiple vehicle crossings are to be constructed, such as in Town Planning Permits, and the vehicle crossings are constructed at different times the permit cost may rise accordingly.

If during construction the area is damaged, this damage must be reinstated by the permit holder or it shall be reinstated by Council and the expense withdrawn from the security deposit and the balance refunded or invoiced to the permit holder. Where all appropriate reinstatement has been undertaken, a full refund of the deposit will be made to the permit holder.

Asset Protection Permit

An Asset Protection Permit is required for all building work/s where Council deems it to be necessary for the protection of public assets and infrastructure during the building work.

Building work is work for or in connection with the construction, renovation, alteration, demolition, relocation or removal of a building, including landscaping, concreting and subdivision road construction but excludes Minor Building Work.

Minor Building Work means building work valued at less than $5,000 but excludes the construction of any masonry structure and the demolition and removal of building and structures (regardless of value).

The permit is required in order to protect Council assets during the transportation of equipment, machinery and building materials across the road reserve.

Upon notification from a Building Surveyor, an inspection of the site is undertaken and the Council determines the amount of security deposit that is required (taking into account the extent of the works and the potential for damage). The owner of the property is notified in writing and required to take out the above permit before the building works commence. An application form is forwarded along with the written notification.

On the completion of the building works and by notification of a Certificate of Final Inspection, or a Certificate of Occupancy, Council will conduct an inspection to ensure that all appropriate care and/or reinstatement has been undertaken.

Any damage not previously identified at the initial inspection, will be reinstated at the permit holder's expense or withdrawn from the security deposit and the balance refunded or invoiced. Where all appropriate reinstatement has been undertaken, a full refund of the deposit will be made to the permit holder.

Occupy Part of a Roadway

Occupy Part of Roadway Application (PDF, 905 kB)

A permit is required for short-term occupation of any part of a roadway, laneway, footpath, nature strip, car park, or reserve. This includes road closure, mobile crane operation, concrete pumps operation, the placement of shipping containers or the occupation of the footpath for building maintenance.

The fee will be determined during processing of the application.

Any damage not previously identified at the initial inspection, will be reinstated at the permit holder's expense or withdrawn from the security deposit and the balance refunded or invoiced. Where all appropriate reinstatement has been undertaken, a full refund of the deposit will be made to the permit holder.

Hoarding Permit

Hoarding Permit Application (PDF, 851 kB)

A permit is required for long-term occupation of any part of a roadway, laneway, footpath, nature strip, car park, or reserve. This includes road closure, hoarding of the footpath or nature strip and placement of any other structures (if permitted).

There may be a pre-inspection conducted by a Council officer to determine the appropriate permit fees and security deposit. Security deposits area required where there is potential damage to Council assets. The security deposit is held until the hoarding is removed.

The fee is dependent on the location, nature and length of occupation and will be determined during processing of the application.

Skip Bin Permit

Bulk rubbish containers between 1 cubic metre and 20 cubic metres in size placed on the nature strip or road surface must have a permit, which is obtained by the bin hire company at the cost of $38.

Any bulk rubbish containers larger than 20 cubic metres will require an Occupy Part of Roadway Permit. Only the company that owns the skip bin may obtain a permit.

Council does not generally approve the placement of skip bins on the road pavement. Permit duration depends on locality.

Access Through Reserves

Reserve Access Permit Application (PDF, 519 kB)

An Access Through Reserves Permit is required for all circumstances where property owner and/or their contractor require access to private property through an adjoining Council Reserve or Property for building works or similar.

Upon application, the access is inspected before approval is given. During the inspection the appropriate Refundable Security Deposit is determined. In environmentally sensitive areas, access is usually not permitted.

Building over Easement

An easement is a section of a property reserved for the installation of services; such as stormwater drains or sewers. Where such services exist or will be needed in the future, the easement should be kept clear for maintenance and access. Some drainage easements are also designed to allow stormwater to flow over the surface during large storms.

It may be permissible to construct certain structures on or over an easement subject to conditions. The approval of Council and of all other parties with rights over the easement is always required.

Where an easement is needed by Council to protect existing drains, future drains or stormwater flow paths and the structure is to be permanent, (i.e. not easily and quickly removable by two people), a major easement application will be required. Examples of structures requiring a major application would be: garages, carports, pools, retaining walls, tennis courts, car parking areas, water tanks and large sheds (greater than 6 square metres in area).

To make a major application the following must be submitted to the Engineering Department: three copies of the plans, the relevant application form and the application fee. This agreement will ultimately be registered onto the Property Title and applies to successive owners.

Easements that do not contain drains and will not be needed for future drainage or stormwater flow paths require a minor easement application. To make a minor application the following must be submitted to the Engineering Department: two copies of the plans, the relevant application forms, a copy of the Property Title, a copy of the approval of any other relevant authority and the application fee.

For further information regarding the type of easement application that applies to your proposal can be obtained along with an application form from the Engineering Department.

Temporary Street Closure

Temporary street closure of a minor street is possible under certain circumstances upon written application to Council's Engineering Department.

Legal Point of Discharge

Point of Discharge Application (PDF, 20 kB)

The legal point of discharge of a property is the point where all stormwater is to be drained to once collected from the property. This point is usually the lowest point on the property where the stormwater is then piped to either an underground Council drain or where no underground drain is available the kerb and channel. In some cases a new drain may need to be constructed by the property owner to connect to the Council drain.

Information is to sourced from Council records and a written report provided. The information is then provided within three working days.

Works Manager

Any person or body that is responsible for the conducting of works in, on under or over the road.
(Road Management Act 2004 - Definitions)

Principles applying to infrastructure managers and works managers:

An infrastructure manager or a works manager must have regard to the principles specified in this clause in the provision of non-road infrastructure on roads.
The primary purpose of a road is use by members of the public and authorised users must be managed as far as is reasonably practicable in such a way as to minimise any adverse impacts on the primary purpose.
Without limiting the generality of sub-clause (2), authorised uses must be managed so as to -
1. minimise any damage to roads and road infrastructure;
2. ensure that works necessary for the provision of non-road infrastructure are conducted as quickly as practicable;
3. minimise any disruption to road users;
4. minimise any risk to the safety and property of road users and the public generally;
5. facilitate the design and installation of infrastructure which minimises any risk to the safety of road users;
6. ensure that the road and any other infrastructure is reinstated as nearly as practicable to the condition existing before the works necessary for the provision of the non-road infrastructure were conducted;
7. protect and preserve existing significant roadside vegetation and sites of biological significance within the road reserve.

(Road Management Act - Schedule 7, Sec 14)

Works

(Road Management Act 2004 - Definitions)

Works includes any kind of activity conducted on or in the vicinity of a road or proposed road in connection with the construction, maintenance or repair of the road or installation, maintenance or repair of any infrastructure in, on, under or over a road and without limiting the generality of this definition includes:

excavating or breaking up the surface of a road;
erecting a structure in, on or over a road;
removing or interfering with any structure or marking on a road;
planting or removing a tree or other vegetation;
tunnelling under a road;
connecting a road to a road;
installing pipes, drains, cables, poles, buildings, shelters or other structures on a road reserve;
erecting any obstruction on a road or otherwise impeding the use of a road for the purpose of conducting any works.

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Updated: 23 July 2008

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