Vehicular Crossing
It’s important that all driveways and vehicular crossings are safe, while providing appropriate vehicle access. For works which include the construction of footpaths and/or kerb and gutter as part of a Development Application where a Construction Certificate is required, you must refer to Council's Planning Division for approval.
Application process (in sequence):
- As per the Development Application/Complying Development Certificate requirement the owner or the builder applies for boundary levels.
- The owner can request a quote from Council for the construction of the vehicular crossing or can obtain quotes directly from the authorised contractors when they are ready to construct the vehicular crossing.
View list of authorised contractors - If the owner or builder engages an authorised contractor other than Council, the authorised contractor lodges a separate application to construct vehicular crossing.
- If the Council’s quote is accepted, Council will arrange for the construction of vehicular crossing.
- A pre-inspection, formwork inspection and final inspection will be done by Council’s engineer. Should there be any rectification works needed the contractor will be advised and there will be an additional inspection to make sure the construction complies with Council’s standards.
- A final inspection will be done in 14 days after the concrete pour. A final approval certificate will be sent to the contractor if Council’s engineer is satisfied with the vehicular crossing. If the inspection results in a non-approval, re-inspections will be done every fortnight until it is completed to satisfy the Council’s standards.
Key aspects of vehicular crossing specification
Hornsby Shire Council’s Vehicular Crossings Specification ensures the design and construction of all vehicular crossings (including driveways) is safe and the work complies with Australian Standards and Council policies.
The Specification covers all aspects of vehicular crossing construction including the approval process. Some key points in constructing a vehicular crossing:
- Customer flow chart explains the process of vehicular crossing construction.
- Residential developments are permitted a maximum of one (1) vehicular crossing for vehicle access. Commercial/industrial developments will be assessed on their merits.
- Any redundant (un-used) vehicular crossing and/or layback must be removed and the kerb and gutter should be reinstated at the owner’s expense to comply with Council’s Standards.
- Technical details of vehicular crossings are specified. Please note if the vehicular crossing is constructed in a finish other than plain concrete, Council will not be responsible for any restoration or repair work in a finish other than plain concrete.
- Standard drawings show the types and dimensions of vehicular crossings and laybacks.
- Explains the process to become an authorised contractor. Please note that the authorised contractor should nominate at least one person from their company who has completed the ‘Implement Traffic Control Plans’ training course. A copy of the accreditation needs to be submitted with the Traffic Control Plans.
Read Full Vehicular Crossing Specification
Applications
Only Authorised Contractors can apply to construct a vehicular Crossing in Hornsby Shire. As part of the Authorised Contractor approval process, you will be registered for Council’s Online Services which will provide the link to the Application to Construct a Vehicular Crossing. Please click on the link below to login to your account using the login credentials provided to you at the time of authorisation and to apply to construct vehicular crossing.
Prior to applying, please read 1. Authorised Contractors Online Application Requirements by clicking the link below, then complete 2. Application to become an Authorised Contractor (ensuring to attach ALL items listed in the requirements document) and then complete 3. Covid-19 Contractor Checklist & Declaration.
1. Authorised Contractors Online Application requirements
Boundary levels can be obtained by the owner or the builder for Development Application (DA) lodgement or Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
Apply for Boundary Levels for a DA or CDC
A separate application should be lodged by an authorised contractor to construct vehicular crossing at the time of vehicular crossing construction.
Obtain a quote from Council to construct a vehicular crossing.
- Who is responsible for the construction cost of a vehicular crossing?
The property owner is responsible for all construction and maintenance cost whether requested by owner(s) or is determined necessary by Council. Please refer to the NSW Roads Act 1993 – Sect 218 and 219.
- I’m living in a rental property with no concrete vehicular entrance, what can I do?
Initially all requests go to your agent. It is the owner’s responsibility to have a concrete vehicular access to the property. Refer to FAQ No. 1
- Will Council construct a vehicular crossing on the property owner’s behalf?
Yes, Council will construct a vehicular crossing, in concrete finish only, to standard design at the owner’s expense. Please refer to Section 3.5 of the Specifications for further information. Full payment is required prior to construction.
- Can anyone construct a vehicular crossing on the property owner’s behalf?
No. All works must be supervised by Council and should be carried out by one of Council’s Authorised Contractor or Council (obtain a quote).
- My vehicular crossing is breaking up. Do I need Council’s approval to re-construct the broken section?
Yes. All works must be supervised by Council and should be carried out by one of Council’s Authorised Contractors or Council (obtain a quote). If damage has been caused by a nature strip tree please write to Council’s Asset Maintenance Engineer, Asset Management & Maintenance Branch, Infrastructure and Recreation Division. If damage was caused by a public utility please refer to FAQ No.30.
- Are vehicular “tracks” permitted?
No they create trip hazards.
- What is the maximum gradient for a crossing?
1 in 4 (25%)
- Are ‘wedges’ in gutter permitted?
No. Wedges impede the flow of stormwater and if materials used are not secured they have the potential to be washed into stormwater drains which may result in blocking drains and cause flooding of properties and/or road.
- I live on a private road; do I need Council’s approval to construct a vehicular crossing?
No but Council’s Vehicular Crossing Specifications should be adhered to.
- How do I become an approved authorised contractor?
Refer to Section 3.10 of the Specification.
- I am a qualified concreter and have been doing concreting for years. Why must I become an approved Authorised Contractor with Hornsby Shire Council? No other council has asked for these requirements.
Under the WHS Act 2011, Council, as the land owner, is required to ensure the ‘subcontractor’ i.e. Authorised Contractor provides a written ‘Safe Work Method Statement’ before commencing any ‘high risk construction work’ i.e. any hazardous construction work that has the potential to harm the health and safety of people or to damage plant and equipment”. Refer to the SafeWork NSW website for further information or call 13 10 50.
Authorised Contractors need to know how to prepare a suitable Traffic Control Plan. Refer to the Roads and Maritime Services NSW (RMS) website – ‘Traffic Control at Work Sites’ publication for further information or call 1300 828 782.
Under the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997(POEO) it is illegal to pollute or cause or permit pollution of waters. Under the Act, 'water pollution' includes introducing litter, wash water, soil, debris, detergent, paint, cement slurry, building materials etc. into waters or placing such material where it is likely to be washed or blown into waters or the stormwater system or percolate into groundwater. The Authorised Contractors must also know how to prepare a ‘Sediment and Erosion Control Plan’. Refer to the Office of Environment and Heritage NSW website for further information or call 131 555.
- Can I relocate my existing vehicular crossing?
Please submit your request to ‘Council’s Engineering Assistant, Design and Construction Branch, Infrastructure and Recreation Division’. Subject to approval, the existing crossing will have to be removed and new kerb and gutter reinstated, in conjunction with the new crossing construction. All costs are at the property owner’s expenses.
- Do I need Council’s approval to concrete my internal driveway?
Contact Council’s Planning and Building Branch on 9847 6666 for all internal driveway requirements, especially where retaining walls are required.
- My property has a wide frontage, how many vehicular crossings per property does Council allow?
Residential properties are permitted a maximum of one (1) vehicle crossing for vehicle access. Commercial/industrial and multi unit properties are subject to approval. Please write to ‘Council’s Engineering Assistant, Infrastructure and Recreation Division’ with any additional requests. Please refer to Council’s Sections 2.2 of this ‘Specification’.
- Should I obtain my boundary levels prior to any internal driveway construction?
Yes, this will determine your internal property level and garage floor level, thus allowing for a smooth transition when entering and exiting your property without scraping the underside of your vehicle.
- My car scrapes when entering and/or exiting my driveway entrance and I have an existing concrete vehicular entrance? What do I do?
How old is your driveway? Have you changed your vehicle recently? Your vehicular crossing levels may need to be adjusted to suit. All costs are at the property owner’s expense. All works must be supervised by Council and carried out by an approved Council’s Authorised Contractor. Please write to ‘Council’s Asset Maintenance Engineer, Infrastructure and Recreation Division’.
- My street was resurfaced recently and now my car scrapes when entering and/or exiting my vehicular crossing?
Please write to Council’s Asset Maintenance Engineer Infrastructure and Recreation Division.
- What are Council’s minimum and maximum widths at property boundary and kerb?
A minimum of 2.5 metres and a maximum of 3.5 metres wide at the property boundary for single and a minimum 3.5 metres to a maximum 4.5 metres wide at the property boundary for double. Please refer to Council’s Sections 2.3.4 of this ‘Specification’.
- I have a double garage; can I widen my vehicular crossing to suit?
Please refer to Sections 2.2 and 2.3.4 of the Specification. Please submit all requests in writing to ‘Council’s Engineering Assistant, Design and Construction Branch, Infrastructure and Recreation Division’.
- Are ‘wedges’ in gutter permitted?
No. Wedges impede the flow of stormwater and if materials used are not secured they have the potential to be washed into stormwater drains which may result in blocking drains and cause flooding of properties and/or road.
- My vehicular entrance enters and exits from a State Road. Do I need to contact NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for additional consent?
Yes. Call RMS Land Use Development Staff on 131 782 for further information. All works must be supervised by Council’s Engineering Assistant, Infrastructure and Recreation Division and carried out by an approved Authorised Contractor.
- What is an illegal crossing?
An illegal crossing is one that hasn’t had prior Council approval or is still in it natural form i.e. earth nature strip. Where action is effected in such a way as to cause gutter blockages and / or public danger (trip hazard), notice will be served on the owner to remove, reinstate or construct an approved crossing. If a reply is not received within 28 days, Council will take action to carry out minimum requirements to rectify problem and the owner debited with costs. Please refer to the NSW Roads Act 1993 – Sect 218 and 219. Council strongly recommends that the property owner constructs a proper concrete vehicular crossing.
- My contractor is insisting payment, how do I know if Council has carried out a ‘Final Approval?
Request to see the ‘Final Approval Slip’ issued to your Contractor by Council.
- What do I do if I have a complaint about a contractor?
Please submit all complaints in writing to ‘Council’s Engineering Assistant, Infrastructure and Recreation Division’. All claims will be investigated and formerly replied to both the compliant and contractor concerned.
- What type of finishes and colour is acceptable?
Laybacks can only be constructed in plain concrete. For all other finishes and colour refer to Sections 2.3. of this ‘Specification’.
- When is a standard and heavy duty crossing required?
Standard is generally used for light traffic vehicles. Heavy duty is usually constructed for commercial and industrial purposes or where vehicles over 5 tonnes will be regularly using vehicular access. Please refer to Section 2.3.3, 2.3.4 of this ‘Specification’.
- I live on a busy street and find it difficult to enter by driveway safely. Can I alter its shape?
This request is subject to approval. Please submit request in writing to Council’s Engineering Assistant, Design and Construction Branch, Infrastructure and Recreation Division.
- Potholes/depressions are forming in the earth nature strip at the entrance of my vehicular access. Can Council fill in these potholes/depressions?
Yes, you can submit a request to Council’s Customer Service Team on 9847 6666. Council strongly recommends that the property owner construct a proper concrete vehicular crossing.
- My vehicular crossing is earth (natural form) and there is no Council drainage in my street. Every time it rains, dirt and gravel is washed into my property from the street. How do I prevent this from re-occurring?
Council may recommend the property owner to construct a concrete crossing at the owners’ expense to prevent re-occurrence.
- A public utility has dug up my driveway. How do I have this damage reinstated?
All requests should be in writing to ‘Council’s Restoration Supervisor, Asset Management & Maintenance, Infrastructure and Recreation Division’. Please note Council only reinstates in plain concrete, regardless of the type of finish on the remainder of the crossing. Council can only arrange reinstatement after the responsible public utility has submitted a restoration order to Council. In the meantime should you experience any backfill subsidence prior to replacement please contact responsible Public Utility Authority. Please refer to Section 3.17 of this ‘Specification’.
- The Council is doing construction work in my street and I have received a quotation for a vehicular crossing construction. What do I do?
If you accept Council’s quotation, please note that quote is only valid whilst construction crews are currently working in your street. Full payment is required prior to construction commencing.
- How do I obtain vehicular crossing design levels at the front boundary from Council for the design on the internal driveway Development Application (DA)?
Please go to Apply for Boundary Levels.
- Can I have a bituminous crossing instead of concrete?
A bituminous crossings is subject to approval and only permitted in rural areas. Please submit request in writing to Council’s Engineering Assistant, Design and Construction Branch, Infrastructure and Recreation Division.
- Can I get access to park my car inside my property on the lawn?
No. Access is only available for a garage or carport.
- There is a tree very close to my proposed driveway. Can I still construct the driveway in that position
The owner must first obtain prior approval from Council’s Tree Management Section prior to vehicular crossing construction.