Occupation and hoarding permits

When you need an Occupation and Hoarding permit

You must apply for an Occupation and Hoarding permit from Council to occupy Council land. This includes roads, footpaths and nature strips.

This permit is required to ensure public safety and the proper placement and storage of material and equipment in public spaces, including building materials.

A recommended 1.5 metres of footpath width must be kept clear for pedestrians and the area occupied must be securely barricaded for public safety. The width may be reduced to 1 metre depending on the circumstances.

No occupation of Council land is permitted without an Occupation and Hoarding permit.

You may also require Council consent under Building Regulation 116

Where occupation of the road reserve is connected with a building permit

If occupation of a road reserve is connected with a building permit, you may need to apply for Council consent under the Building Regulations 116 (Protection of the public). Speak with your Building Surveyor who can advise if this is required.

The road reserve includes the footpath and naturestrip.

Consent details the method for protecting the public during building work. This protection may include hoarding off an area with safety fencing, walk-through scaffolds and overhead gantries.

Do not apply for an Occupation and Hoarding permit until consent under Building Regulation 116 has been approved and you have received copies of the endorsed plans. This is because you need to lodge a copy of these endorsed plans with the Occupation and Hoarding permit application.

Report and consent of Council has details about this application process. Refer to Regulation 116 information on the page.

Where occupation of the road reserve is not connected with a building permit

If occupation of the road reserve is not connected with a building permit, then only an Occupation and Hoarding permit is required.

Where no Council consent is required under the building regulations, the method of providing public protection is processed under Council's General Local Law.

Fee

An Occupation and Hoarding permit application incurs a fee. These fees are reviewed yearly.

The permit fee will depend on the scope of works, the duration of the works and the area of Council land required.

An invoice will be sent to you after Council has assessed your application.

Please contact Council on 9240 1111 for more information about fees.

How to apply for an Occupation and Hoarding permit

What you need

Some information that may be required as part of your application for an Occupation and Hoarding permit includes:

• Current public liability insurance associated with the proposed works:
  • • For $10 million in the case of building works 3 storeys or less
    • For $20 million in the case of building works 4 storeys or more.
• A letter from the Relevant Building Surveyor stating that they are satisfied with the proposed precautions, and
• Pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic management plan.

If consent under Building Regulation 116 is required:

• a copy of the endorsed drawings or plans that you received when the Council approved your 116 application

If consent under Building Regulation 116 is not required, drawings or plans showing:

• the actual conditions of the site and the proposed precautions, location of hoarding and elevation plan of hoarding, including structural details
• how pedestrian access will be maintained
• location of street furniture, such as street benches, signs, power poles (if any)
• location of public transport stops, such as tram stop or bus stop
• scope of work

How to apply

Complete an Occupation and Hoarding Permit application form (DOC 86Kb), once Council has given report and consent under the Building Regulation 116 if required.

Submit the application to Council:

• Post to the Roads Unit, Merri-bek City Council, Locked Bag 10, Merri-bek 3058
• Submit the application using the online form, or
• Visit a Council Customer Service Centre.

Information about the proposed works and proposed hoarding must be provided to the satisfaction of Council's Roads Unit.

How to apply for an extension of time

You can apply to Council for an extension of time to complete the works.

1. Complete the Occupation and Hoarding Permit Extension of Time application form (DOC 61Kb).
2. Submit your application to Council:
   • Mail to the Roads Unit, Merri-bek City Council, Locked Bag 10, Merri-bek 3058
   • Submit the application form online, or
   • Visit a Council Customer Service Centre.

What happens after you apply

Once your application has been received, Council's Roads unit will review the application.

You will be advised if your application has been successful.