Domestic driveways and crossovers | Redland City Council
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Domestic driveways and crossovers

What is a driveway/driveway crossover?

A driveway is a residential vehicle crossing that provides safe and reasonable access from the road to a property. Where there is a concrete kerb and channel, the crossover is the 900mm deep section of the driveway where the kerb is cut. Where there is no kerb or pipe crossing, the crossover is the section of the driveway from the edge of the road to the private property edge of the roadside table drain.

Do I need a permit to construct/modify/replace my driveway?

Yes. Permits are required for driveway construction on both State Controlled and Local Government road reserves. If constructing/modifying/replacing your driveway involves working on Council land a permit is required to be obtained under Redland City Council’s Local Law No 1- 1.1 Alteration or Improvement to Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Roads. 

What if my property is on a State Government Controlled Road?

If access to your property is from a State Government controlled road, you will require Department of Main Roads permission for your driveway. Permissions required may include access approval, temporary lane enclosure and traffic management permits. Visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au for more information or phone 13 74 68.

What are my responsibilities during construction of a driveway?

The property owner is responsible for:

  • Obtaining a permit to construct a driveway crossover before work begins
  • Pedestrian pathways surrounding the property are safe and accessible  
  • No damage to public utilities or road infrastructure
  • Minimal loss of on-street parking
  • Constructing the driveway to Council’s reference drawings and standards
  • Ensuring all concrete work adjoining an existing concrete structure (eg footpath or kerb and channel) is dowelled to prevent future movement
  • Any modifications to the kerb and channel or open drains during construction are restored to council standard
  • Public liability in case of injury or property damage caused by the owner
  • Determining the location of any services that may be affected by the driveway. Before You Dig, visit www.byda.com.au

What are my responsibilities once the driveway is complete?

The property owner is responsible for the upkeep of a driveway/driveway crossover including:

  • Repair to the driveway when there is tree root damage
  • Any damage or breakage to the driveway
  • Soil drop-off at the driveway edge
  • Damage to the kerb and channel near or in front of the driveway
  • Ensuring the driveway does not pose a hazard risk to anybody using the Council-managed footpath/verge.

What are the setback requirements for a compliant driveway crossover?

Driveway width diagram

  • 6m from intersection taper point
  • 1m from a stormwater pit
  • 1m from power/light poles
  • 0.7m from the property boundary
  • 1.1m from electrical pillar
  • 0.5m from street signs
  • 0.3m from any utility infrastructure, access covers, or other infrastructure
  • 2m from existing street trees
  • Minimum of 10m uninterrupted kerb length approaching a bus stop
  • Grades/slopes are achieved as per council reference drawings

What are the width parameters for my driveway?

Refer to table 1 for the permitted parameters on Driveway Crossover Widths.

Table 1: Driveway Crossover Widths

  Description No. of Crossings
Permitted		 W1 W2 Special Conditions
Single Dwelling House 10m or shorter frontage 1 4.5m 3.5m W1 must not be more than 50% of the total lot frontage width
10m-20m frontage 1 6.0m 5.0m
20m or longer frontage 2 6.0m 5.0m Min. 6m between crossovers. Max. combined W2 dimension of 9.0m 
Garage or car port on front boundary 1 7.0m 6.0m  
Duplex Duplex with frontage of less than 20m 1   7.0m 6.0m  
2 4.0m 3.0m Min. 6m between crossovers
Duplex with frontage of 20m or more 2 5.0m 4.0m Min. 6m between crossovers

W1 = maximum allowable width at kerb invert (including splays)    W2 = maximum allowable width at property boundary

 
Driveway splays

 

What if I can’t comply with the setback requirements or width parameters?

If you don’t comply with Council’s setback requirements for a driveway crossover, you will require an operational works approval from Councils Engineering & Assessment team. Further information can be found on Councils website Operational Works Approval

I require assistance in determining what type of driveway is suitable for my property

If you are not sure on what kind of driveway you need for your property, please complete a Property Access Assessment and a Council officer will be in contact with you to discuss and provide the correct information in order to submit a driveway crossover application

Is my driveway eligible?

Before submitting an application, please choose the option that applies to you. 

Driveway type Action required
Driveway opens onto a State-controlled road Contact Department of Transport and Main Roads on (07) 3066 5499
Driveway is associated with a Department of Housing or Commercial premises Contact council to obtain advice from our Engineering team on (07) 3829 8999
A tree needs to be removed or relocated Contact council on (07) 3829 8999 to organise a street tree removal request before proceeding with your driveway application 
A water meter needs to be relocated Contact council on (07) 3829 8999 to organise an assessment from councils City Water team before proceeding with your driveway application
Property does not have kerb and channel

If your property doesn't have a kerb and channel, you'll need to follow a simple two-step process.

  1. First, you'll need to request a Property Access Assessment. This assessment helps determine the right driveway option for your location, and it's completely free. A Council officer will let you know if you need:

    • A pipe crossover to be installed
    • A bitumen crossover that follows the swale drain's contours

  2. Once the property assessment is done, you can proceed to apply for your permit.
Property has kerb and channel

For properties with kerb and channel, you need to go through a simple pre-lodgement checklist before submitting an application to Council.

If you meet the criteria, you can fill out the Domestic Driveway Crossover application. If not, you'll need to submit an Operational Works Application. Please contact Council on (07) 3829 8999 to set up an assessment with the Engineering Assessment Team.

 

How to apply for a Domestic Driveway Crossover Application 

1. Make sure you have time to apply
Applying for a Domestic Driveway Crossover typically takes about 10 minutes. You'll be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time. 

 2. Gather your information
You will need the following to complete and submit your application: 

  • A copy of your building plans or a mudmap showing:
    • The location of the driveway in relation to the property boundaries
    • Kerb tangent points, indicated by * on Reference Drawing R-RCC-1
    • Stormwater pits
    • The location of any trees within 2m of the proposed driveway
    • The location of any power poles/streetlights/infrastructure/access covers, if applicable
  • Photos of the proposed location
  • Property address details, including the lot and plan numbers
  • Proposed date of installation, usually within 4 weeks of the permit being issued
  • The contractor's details, if known.
  •  All underground pipes and cables must be located. Visit Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) to request free information about any infrastructure networks at your planned project site or call 1100
  • If you notice any damage to the Council's kerb and channel, you will have the option to upload photos for additional documentation.

3. Complete the online form
Submit your request to apply for a Domestic Driveway Crossover

Apply now

4. We'll review your application
After we receive your application, we'll send you an invoice for payment. Once you've made the payment, we'll issue a permit that allows you to start building your driveway.

5. How long will it take for my application to be assessed? 
We'll review your application within 20 business days. Once you've made the payment, we'll issue the permit within 3 business days.

6. How long is my permit valid for? 
12 months.

To apply, download the complete the Domestic Driveway Crossover application [PDF]  

Your application should include:

  • A copy of your building plans or a mudmap showing:
    • The location of the driveway in relation to the property boundaries
    • Kerb tangent points, indicated by * on Reference Drawing R-RCC-1
    • Stormwater pits
    • The location of any trees within 2m of the proposed driveway
    • The location of any power poles/streetlights/infrastructure/access covers, if applicable
  • Photos of the proposed location
  • Property address details, including the lot and plan numbers
  • Proposed date of installation, usually within 4 weeks of the permit being issued
  • The contractor's details, if known.
  •  All underground pipes and cables must be located. Visit Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) to request free information about any infrastructure networks at your planned project site or call 1100

Once completed, you can submit your form in person, by email, fax or post.

In person at: 

  • Cleveland - Corner of Bloomfield Street and Middle Street (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)
  • Capalaba - Capalaba Place, Noeleen Street (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)
  • Victoria Point - High Street, (Victoria Point Library - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Email: rcc@redland.qld.gov.au
Fax: (07) 3829 8765
Post: Redland City Council, PO Box 21, Cleveland, QLD 416 

How to apply for a Property Access Assessment

1. Make sure you have time to apply
Applying for a Property Access Assessment typically takes about 10 minutes. You'll be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time. 

 2. Gather your information
You will need the following to complete and submit your application: 

  • A copy of your building plans or a mud map, including the location of the driveway in relation to the property boundaries
  • Property address details, including the lot and plan numbers
  • All underground pipes and cables must be located. Visit Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) to request free information about any infrastructure networks at your planned project site or call 1100.

3. Complete the online form
Submit your request for a Property Access Assessment.

Apply now

4. We'll review your application
After completing the assessment, we'll send you a written response that outlines the steps you need to take to start building your driveway. This will help you when applying for your driveway crossover.

Contact our customer service centre on (07) 3829 8999, email rcc@redland.qld.gov.au or visit us in person at: 

  • Cleveland - Corner of Bloomfield Street and Middle Street (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)
  • Capalaba - Capalaba Place, Noeleen Street (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)
  • Victoria Point - High Street, (Victoria Point Library - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Reference Drawings