Undertaking Works on Council Land

If you are planning to carry out work that affects roads, footpaths, verges or other public areas, you’ll need approval from Council first.

This page outlines when approval is required, the types of work allowed, and how to apply.

Please note that Development Approval for your private property does not include permission to carry out works on Council land. A separate approval is required for any works that alter public land.

What work(s) can I undertake on Council land?

Under the Local Government Act 1999 (Section 221), you must obtain permission from Council to undertake work on Council Land and you can only undertake the following types of activities:

• Placing a Mini-Skip on the Road
• Alter a Driveway Crossover (incl. gutters)
  (i.e. install, modify or relocate a driveway and gutter crossover or otherwise change the construction or arrangement of the road to facilitate access from or to a property)
• Alter the Verge (Nature Strip)
  (i.e. installation of an irrigation system, plant, interfere with or remove a tree or other vegetation on the road)
• Temporarily Close a Road
• Temporarily Occupy Council Land
  (i.e use of a crane(s), elevated work platforms, hoarding/scaffolding, pedestrian walkway/footpath encroachment).
• Undertake Works Beneath a Road
  (i.e. excavation/trenching, add/modify electrical, stormwater and/or other cabling)

What if the works are on a main road?

You can still apply to undertake works on a main road, however, additional authorisation from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is required. This applies to the following roads:

• Main North Road
• North East Road
• Regency Road
• Nottage Terrace
• Fitzroy Terrace
• Torrens Road
• Churchill Road
• Prospect Road

The builder/ developer/contractor has a responsibility to take precautions to ensure the safety of persons at the site or in its direct vicinity.

Before you apply

• Works must not commence unless approval has been provided.
• All work must be done in accordance with the permit conditions.
  Refer to the links for more information.
• You must apply via the Application Form and provided the following supporting documentation:
  • Valid copy of Public Liability Insurance (Certificate of Currency) for $20 million.
  • Site plan (to relevant scale of proposed works including dimensions)
  • A traffic management plan
• Fees are applicable (as per Councils current Fees and Charges Register)
• Council will consider all applications, however, in some instances the proposed use of the council land may not be deemed appropriate and therefore some applications may not be approved. This is at the discretion of Council’s Authorised Officers.
• Roads to be made good.
  A person who breaks up, or damages, a Public Road under and authorisation conferred by Section 221 under the Local Government Act (1999) or another Act must restore the road at least to the condition that existed immediately before the action was taken.

What if I don’t have approval?

Please note if you fail to gain approval and undertake any of the above works on Council land you may:

• Receive a fine
• Face potential legal liability
• Be required to pay for any damage caused to Council infrastructure and the cost for rectification.

Contact Us

If you have any queries regarding approvals for undertaking work on public land, please contact Council’s Infrastructure and Assets team on 8269 5355 or email us at admin@prospect.sa.gov.au.