Whilst many people probably aren’t sure what the crossover is, everyone has one on their property. A crossover is part of your driveway that crosses from your property boundaries to a council or State-controlled road.

If you want to construct or alter a driveway crossover, you may be required to notify or apply to the local council for permission. If your property is accessed via a State Government controlled road, you will need permission from the Department of Transport (Victoria), instead of the local council.

Owners are responsible for constructing, maintaining, altering, and repairing driveway crossovers. The responsibility encompasses not only where the driveways cross the kerb but also any footpaths, watercourses, drains, or easements.

Usually, driveways are accepted or permissible development, and in this instance, the council relies on you to determine your driveway will meet their requirements.

If your driveway doesn’t meet their requirements, you must submit an application to the council to review your proposed driveway. A fee will apply for them to assess your application, and you can’t start construction until you have their approval.

If there are trees and infrastructure services (gas, electricity, telecommunication, roads, drainage etc.) near the place you want to build a driveway, the council may reject your proposed location. If they allow your driveway to go ahead and it has an impact that requires remedial works, you will be expected to pay the costs.

You are allowed to build your driveway or employ a licenced contractor to complete the work. The driveway must be a non-slip surface and be able to take the load of vehicles. Acceptable materials include bitumen, asphalt or concrete.

Each Council has its, specific requirements for driveways, which can be controlled by their Planning Scheme or a Local Law, or both. For this reason, it is important to be sure you know what the requirements are and comply with those or seek approval where required.

In the City of Greater Geelong, you can apply for the vehicle council permit by clicking the following link Apply for a Vehicle Crossing Permit.

If you are or wanting to construct a driveway or just curious and want to know more, please feel free to contact us at yasir@geelongpropertyconsulting.com.

Disclaimer:

While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, Geelong Property Consulting does not guarantee that this blog article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use. Requirements and standards frequently change so every individual proposal should be thoroughly investigated

Sources: 

Infrastructure Design Association – www.designmanual.com.au

City of Greater Geelong (Geelong Council) – https://geelongaustralia.com.au/building/task/item/8cda097e0ba0542.aspx

Department of Transport – https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/regional-victoria/regional-network-development-plan

Victorian Building Authroity (VBA) – https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/home-renovation-essentials/landscaping