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Permanent vehicle crossings

Learn more about vehicle crossings and how to submit an application for a permit.

What is a vehicle crossing or crossover?

A vehicle crossing is the portion of driveway between the property boundary and the road, including the footpath, kerb and nature strip.

Although a vehicle crossing extends across Yarra land, it is the property owner’s responsibility and their cost to ensure it is constructed and maintained to the correct standards.

You need a permit for any work required on a vehicle crossing. No works can begin until all you have met all conditions and we've issued your permit. This includes excavation, boxing and reinforcement.

Get information on Yarra Standard Drawings.

vehicle crossover image

How to apply

Here are the steps for applying for a permit.

1. Read preparation documents

To help you correctly prepare your 1:20 scaled cross-sectional drawing of the proposed vehicle crossing, please read:

This drawing needs to be submitted as part of your online application.

2. Submit your application

Submit your application online

You must provide the following information:

  • Certificate of Currency (showing a minimum of $20 million public liability insurance)
  • Traffic Management Plan (as per requirements)
  • Site plan of proposed vehicle crossover that should include:
    • dimensions/width of crossover and splays
    • nearby existing utilities
    • nearby existing trees
    • nearby existing drainage/road infrastructure.
  • Detailed 1:20 scaled cross-sectional plan of proposed vehicle crossing:
    • incorporating existing/pre-construction and proposed levels
    • must include all information as per VC Information Sheet
  • Pre-construction site survey provided for comparison with existing levels
  • Photos of the existing crossover/site conditions vs of the “as built” garage floor level
  • Aftercare plan (required where the vehicle crossover will take multiple days to install or concrete curing overnight)
  • Other Authority approvals

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation with an application number. Please keep your application number handy, as this will be needed for any future correspondence.

3. Pre works inspection

One of our officers will conduct an on-site pre works inspection to discuss your proposal. We may request additional information from you at this stage.

4. Permit issued

If the application is approved, you will receive an invoice. When the invoice is paid, a permit will be issued.

If your application is declined, we will notify you.

5. Inspections

A pre-pour inspection can occur a minimum of 24 business hours after the permit has been issued. A Yarra City Council officer will inspect for compliance with standards and permit conditions.

A post pour inspection will inspect the completed works for:

  • compliance with our standards and permit conditions
  • reinstatement of the road reserve to the original condition
  • damage to our assets within the road reserve
  • public safety issues created by the works

If we identify any issues at the post-pour inspection, we will contact the responsible person. You will be charged an additional inspection fee if the permit has to be extended.

If no issues are identified, there will be no further contact from us.

If any works begin before a permit is issued enforcement action will be taken.

Initial assessment of your application can take up to seven working days. When all required documentation has been supplied, your permit will be issued within 10 business days.

An application will be closed and you will be required to apply for a new permit if:

  • you receive a request for further information and it is not received within four months
  • an invoice is not paid within three months of issuing

Request an update on your permit application

A permits officer will respond to your request.

Request an update

There are two parts:

Permit fee

  • $181.69 for works to existing single residential properties/local shop traders (small business)
  • $325.49 for commercial/industrial properties or new build residential

Inspection fees (two inspections required)

  • $173.06 for works to existing single residential properties/local shop traders (small business)
  • $307.74 for commercial/industrial properties or new build residential

An additional inspection fee will be charged should any issues be identified in the inspections.

If a vehicle crossing at your property is damaged or unsafe, you will be asked to repair it. The cost of any maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.

If you have an issue with vehicle scraping because of a steep or angled driveway, you will need to engage a professional to address the problem.

Any work you do to your vehicle crossing requires a permit to ensure works are carried out to Yarra City Council’s engineering standards.

  • If your vehicle crossing is on a major road, you’ll need to contact the Department of Transport (D.O.T.). Check if your vehicle crossing is on a major road at D.O.T. Declared Roads Map.
  • If you want to do work that involves a vehicle crossing in a heritage overlay area, you will need a planning permit.
  • If the proposed Vehicle Crossing is within a Tree Protection Zone (T.P.Z. Calculator), your application will be referred to our arborist for their approval. You will be responsible for replacement and removal costs for any street trees.
  • Should you need to remove or relocate any of our assets (example: parking signs, street trees, street furniture) you need to show these on your site plan and attach this to your online application. Please note this could incur additional fees.
  • If your works involve closing any roads, you will need to provide seven days written notification to surrounding residents (within 100 metres). Please use the Road Closure Notification Template [ DOC, 388.5 KB] as a guide.