Driveway Applications
All new or replacement driveways (or vehicular crossings) require Council consent prior to construction. Please submit a s138 Road Opening Application form.
Driveway and footpath constructions are to be carried out by Council approved contractors only. A list of Council approved contractors can be supplied upon request. Please submit an Approved Driveway Crossing Contractor Application Form to undertake driveway constuctions within the Shellharbour LGA.
Driveway application fee includes 2 inspections. Further inspections will be charged prior to booking.
Driveways are to be constructed to Council’s standard specifications from concrete only within the public road reserve.
Specific areas, such as Calderwood, may be subject to additional or differing requirements. All applicable Council specifications, standards and conditions must be adhered to.
Permitted finishes:
- Exposed aggregate
- Stencilled concrete
- Stamped concrete (shallow patterns only)
Not permitted:
- Pavers
- Cobblestone
- Brick
- Tiles
- Crushed granite
- Gravel (urban setting)
Proposed Alternative Finishes
Pavers and cobblestone are not generally permitted finishes for driveways within the public road reserve. However, where an applicant wishes to propose a cobblestone or paver finish, the proposed finish may be submitted for assessment as part of the driveway application.
Applicants proposing cobblestone or pavers must provide a sample and product data sheet, including slip resistance testing, for the proposed finish. The proposed finish will be assessed as part of the application, and submission of a sample or data sheet does not guarantee approval.
Only finishes approved by Council may be constructed.
Where Council approves a cobblestone or paver finish, this finish is only permitted to be laid from the property boundary to the back of the layback. The layback itself be constructed in plain concrete.
Un-approved driveways
If a driveway is constructed without consent from Council, an application must be submitted retrospectively and evidence provided that the driveway was constructed to Council’s standards. If a driveway is non-compliant with Council’s standards, the property owner will be directed to have the driveway removed and reinstated under a s138 Road Opening Application.
Road Opening Applications (Other works within the road reserve)
A Road Opening Application must be submitted for any work to be undertaken in the road reserve. These works include, but are not limited to, footpath, utility, kerb and gutter, stormwater, trenching and crane delivery.
Please provide all relevant details and construction plans.
Utility Works
Utility works for the installation or maintenance of a privately owned utility asset require S138 road opening consent.
Works undertaken by a utility company on its own assets do not require s138 consent. Examples include works undertaken by Telstra, Sydney Water and Endeavour Energy.
Where a utility company undertakes works on its own assets, notification must be provided to Council for its records. The notification must include:
• Scope of works
• Proposed date of works
• Contact person and contact details
All Council assets affected by the works must be reinstated in accordance with Council's Engineering code and relevant specifications.
Underboring and Trenching
All underground works must be underbored before trenching is considered. Where underboring is not possible, approval must be obtained from Council before the pavement is opened.
S138 consent must be received prior to underboring or trenching.
Where trenching through the road surface is approved:
• Trenches must be backfilled with stabilised DGB20.
• The trench must be bridged 300 mm on either side.
• A minimum 30 mm AC layer is required.
• A hold-point inspection must be completed prior to placement of the AC layer.
A bond is applicable for trenches through the road pavement, footpath, kerb and gutter. The bond may be released following satisfactory completion of the works and a Council inspection approximately six months after completion.
Road Closures
Road closures associated with civil works require s138 Road Opening Consent. Applications must be submitted using the Road Opening Application form.
Full Road Closures
A full road closure is the closure of all travel lanes and may require approval from the Shellharbour Local Transport Forum.
Applicants should allow a minimum of 8 weeks for full road closure applications to allow sufficient time for the required approval processes.
Once a s138 application is submitted, the relevant information may be referred to Council's Transport Team for consideration and, where required, presentation to the next practicable Local Transport Forum meeting.
S138 consent cannot be granted for a full road closure until the required Traffic referrals and advice have been obtained.
Partial Road Closures
Partial road closures do not require Local Transport Forum approval. However, the application may be referred to Council's Transport Team for assessment.
Applicants should allow approximately 3 weeks for processing of partial road closure applications.