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Permit for road-verge (nature strip) planting and landscaping

Council supports the concept of alternative road verge treatments, including gardens, where suitable.

There are occasions when council will approve a permit (DOCX, 225KB) for residents to plant and/or install infrastructure within the road verge.

The road verge, also known as the nature strip or road reserve, within our region consists of grass, footpath and a council provided street tree.

A permit is required where:

In the first instance, council encourages residents to plant within the criteria of the planting self-assessable verge garden fact sheet (DOCX, 1.2MB).

Permit applications (DOCX, 225KB) are assessed on a case by case basis. A bond may also be applicable depending on the extent of the works and will be quoted on assessment of the application.

Planting

All planting that does not meet the self-assessable criteria must meet the criteria when applying for a permit.

An application must be submitted and approved prior to any planting being undertaken.

If the application is approved, the permit holder must maintain, at all times during the approval, a certificate of currency (public liability insurance) minimum of $2 million covering the area occupied by the planting.

Infrastructure

A permit application (DOCX, 225KB) is required if you wish to place any infrastructure on the road verge.

An application must be submitted and approved prior to any installation of infrastructure such as a shelter, fence or retaining wall within the road verge.

A non-refundable application fee applies and must be paid on lodgement.

If the application is approved, the permit holder must maintain, at all times during the approval, a certificate of currency (public liability insurance) minimum of $20 million covering the area occupied by the infrastructure.

Depending on the type of infrastructure, you may require the service of a registered building certifier to gain a current building development permit for the proposed building works. Please check with a private certifier.

Criteria

Refer to the fact sheet (PDF, 202KB) for a full list of the criteria for planting and/or installation of infrastructure on a road verge ((outside planting self-assessable verge garden fact sheet (DOCX, 1.2MB) criteria)).

Public liability insurance

Public liability insurance is required to protect the residents' interest should anything happen on council managed or controlled land where you intend to conduct activities. This will ensure that you, and anyone traversing the road verge is protected in the case of an accident or incident. Your home insurance company may provide public liability insurance.

Bond

The purpose of the bond (if required) is to cover any damage to existing infrastructure or vegetation and varies in accordance with level of risk and activity type. The installation of the planting or infrastructure cannot commence until payment of the bond is received.

The bond is refunded when:

  • activity is completed
  • photos submitted of the completed works
  • council is satisfied that there has been no damage to existing vegetation or infrastructure outside of what was permitted.

Deed of consent

The purpose of the deed of consent, if required, is to ensure works are conducted in a way that satisfies all stakeholders' needs and to minimise any damage to existing infrastructure or vegetation. The deed of consent replaces the requirement to pay a bond for proposed works.

Frequently asked questions

More information

If you have any feedback or questions about the assessment process or wish to plant in a location other than the road verge, please contact council.

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