Do I need a permit to cross the footpath with a new driveway?

Your driveway has two parts with different owners. From the house to the property boundary is yours. From the boundary across the verge to the road is public land, and that section, the crossover, is controlled by the council or the road authority.

What approval covers

• Position and width, including distance from intersections, driveways next door and street trees.
• Sight lines, so a vehicle leaving can see and be seen.
• Levels and grade, so vehicles do not scrape and so water still runs along the gutter rather than into the property.
• Construction specification, which councils publish, including thickness and reinforcement.
• Protection or removal of street trees, which is often the sticking point and may be refused outright.
• Relocation of services in the verge, which the asset owner has to agree to and charge for.

Practical points

• Councils commonly require a bond or an inspection, and some require the work to be done by a contractor on an approved list.
• Lodge a free Before You Dig Australia enquiry, since verges are dense with services.
• The stormwater path along the gutter must not be interrupted, which is what stops a poorly built crossover flooding a neighbour.