Driveway roadworks step 1: Design approval

Applying for a permit – before you begin

The Roadworks Step 1 Design Approval is issued under Section 138 of the Roads Act 1993. It is the first stage of a two-step process, which will grant approval for the proposal but not provide approval to undertake the works.

To understand Steps 1 and 2, and whether an exception might apply, please read the Roadworks (Steps 1 and 2) process explained section below.

The Roadworks Step 1 Design Approval application is used to apply for any of the following:

  • Approval to construct/reconstruct vehicle crossings associated with a development consent
  • Approval to undertake public domain works associated with a development consent, including public stormwater drainage, traffic facilities, etc.
  • Approval of vehicle crossing proposals to enable the issuing of a Complying Development Certificate
  • Approval of vehicle crossing proposals associated with an Exempt Development
  • Reconstruction of an existing vehicle crossing
  • The issue of alignment levels or Levels Certificate and Roadworks Permits, which may be required under development consents issued by the former Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville Councils.
  • Approval of design plans, when required as a condition of your development consent, prior to issue of Construction Certificate.

Please note that the Roadworks Step 1: Design Approval does not provide approval to undertake any works. The Roadworks Step 2: Permit to Construct application is required when you are ready for construction and have engaged your contractor.

If your application needs to go to the Local Traffic Committee prior to approval, please allow up to 10 weeks for your approval.

Roadworks (Step 1 and 2) process explained

You will need to apply for approval if you are seeking to construct or reconstruct a vehicle crossing and/or to undertake other public domain works, even if you already have an associated development consent.

The approval process applies to all vehicle crossing and public domain proposals, whether associated with a Development Consent, Complying Development Certificate, Exempt Development or just reconstruction of an existing crossing.

Council has a two-step approval process, as follows:

The Roadworks Step 1 Design Approval application is used to seek approval for the proposal but does not provide approval to undertake the works. Go to the Roadworks Step 1 Design Approval page for details on what else can be applied for under this application.

The Roadworks Step 2 Permit to Construct application is used when you are ready to construct and have engaged your contractor.

Exception

The Step 1 (design approval) application may not be required under the following circumstances:

  • The works are associated with a development consent; and
  • There are no development consent conditions requiring Alignment Levels, Levels Certificate, or a Roadworks Permit to be obtained; and
  • There are no development consent conditions requiring the submission of a design for the works.

Fees and charges

Please note that these fees and charges are payable during lodgement of the application. Council will advise you of any additional fees and charges after assessment of the application. Payment will be required prior to approval.

Description Charge
Application fee for design approval (non refundable) $128.40
Assessment fee for reconstruction of vehicle crossing for residential dwelling – not related to a current DA or CDC $128.40
Assessment fee for residential (up to two dwellings) – related to DA or exempt development $256.80
Assessment fee for residential (up to two dwellings) – related to a CDC $513.60
Assessment fee for additional vehicle crossing (more than 1) – per crossing $128.40

Assessment fee - Other development 

0.05% of value of the development1

(minimum fee $1,000, maximum fee $20,000)

Note 1: The value of the development is the stated value on the CDC/DA Consent

% calculation

Questions you will need to answer during online lodgement

You will need to provide the following information in support of your application:

  • Address of associated property.
  • Details of related development approval, if applicable (i.e. Development Consent, Complying Development Certificate)
  • Details of the associated activity – location and summary of works/activity
  • Confirm whether engineering plans have been submitted for assessment, where specified by a development consent
  • Applicant details

Application form

You will need to complete the below application form:

Mandatory supporting documents

Please ensure you have the following documents ready before commencing your online application. These documents will need to be uploaded with the application during lodgement.

If the requested documents are not provided, the assessment of your application will be delayed and may be refused.

  • Application form – a signed copy of the application form
  • Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency – required for every application (see details above)
  • A traffic control plan (prepared by RMS accredited person) in compliance with RMS Traffic Control at Work Sites Manual Guidelines – AS1742.3 and Work Cover NSW regulations
  • Scope of works/site plan
  • A draft notification letter(s) for distribution by the applicant to residents in the affected area, for approval by Council

Please ensure you have the following documents ready before commencing your online application. These documents would need to be attached to the application at time of lodgement.

If the requested documents are not provided, the assessment of your application will be delayed and may be refused.

  • Application form: A signed copy of the application form, including completed checklist where applicable.
  • Design plans – see below for requirements, depending on application type:
    • Section 7 – Design plans, including long sections for driveways/vehicle crossings, and/or as specified by any relevant conditions of consent.
    • Section 8 – Site plan showing the location of the vehicle crossing including dimensions. If the crossing currently causes scraping to vehicles, the applicant may be required to provide an engineering design,
    • Section 9 – See Appendix A1 Part B for document requirements.
    • Section 10 – See Appendix B1 Part B for document requirements.

If you are on or near a state road or traffic lights

If the works are to be carried out on or near a Transport for NSW state classified road or traffic lights, you will need to demonstrate that you have obtained written consent from Transport for NSW.

For the list of the State Classified roads within the Inner West Council can be viewed at Roads.

Terms and conditions

You will need to sign the applicant's declaration on the application form to accept the terms and conditions listed on the form. The Terms and conditions may be found on the form, or can be reviewed form the following page.

Online terms and conditions

How to apply for your permit

Once you've completed the application form and collected all mandatory supporting documents, you use our online self-service website to lodge the application.

Step 1:

Register for an account on the Councils Self Service Portal - verification should occur within one business day.

Please see the following guide for assistance on the registration process

How to Register on the Council Self Service Portal (PDF 265.9KB)

Step 2:

Log into your account and apply for your permit

Please see the following guide to assist you:

Go to online self-service

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Page last updated: 04 Sep 2023