Road reserves and your driveway

The road reserve is the public land outside your property boundary. It includes any footpaths, kerb and channel. Typically, your driveway spans this land to meet the road and this is referred to as the "Vehicle Crossover".

Planning approval and permits for driveways

Council is responsible for ensuring that all new and replacement vehicle crossovers meet certain standards. Planning approval may be required before you start construction. If you are unsure, contact Council on 6393 5320 to speak with a Town Planner.

You will also require a permit before you undertake any work in the road reserve. Road Reserve Work Permits are issued free of charge. Permits are valid for twelve months, however, once work has commenced, it must be completed within three consecutive days or as otherwise agreed with Council.

A Road Reserve Work Permit is required when you:

• Construct a new vehicle crossover where there has not been one before
• Make changes to the existing vehicle crossover (e.g. making it wider or changing its angle)
• Make changes to the kerb (e.g. if your car is scraping)
• Undertake certain types of repairs to your vehicle crossover.

If you are unsure if you need a road reserve work permit, contact Council on 6393 5300 or email infrastructure@mvc.tas.gov.au before starting work.

All vehicle crossover works MUST be completed by a contractor who has the relevant skills, qualifications and insurances and you are required to include the contractor details on your permit application form. 

For more information about applying for a permit see the Vehicle Crossovers & Road Reserves information sheet.

Complete the Application for Works in the Road Reserve Permit and email to infrastructure@mvc.tas.gov.au. 

Update on installation of Private Underground Electrical Connections (PUEC) in Meander Valley

Council is now considering applications for PUECs based on TasNetworks’ undertaking to record the location of the PUEC in the BYDA system. An Application for Works in the Road Reserve will be required, together with the drawing provided to TasNetworks, as well as other requirements outlined in the application form, i.e. certificate of currency for Public Liability of $20M. Email the completed application form to infrastructure@mvc.tas.gov.au. Note that the application may not be approved after assessment by the infrastructure services team.

For more information go to TasNetworks update on private underground consumer mains on council land.