A Working within the road reserve permit (formerly known as road opening) is required for builders, contractors/road managers or public utilities excavating within road reserves.
All new Legal Point Of Discharge connections (LPOD), including easement connections, require a Working within the road reserve permit.
Types of works that require a permit
A working within the road reserve permit is required for works such as:
- Water tapping – connecting a house to the water main
- Stormwater connections (LPOD) – plumber/drainer connecting house downpipes to council stormwater pipes or pits
- Sewerage connection – connecting a house to the main sewerage lines
- Roadside excavation constructing service road or slip lane
- Laying of stormwater pipes to existing drainage
- Laying of water mains – usually associated with subdivision
- Public utilities requiring a consent permit
- General/other works within the road reserve.
Approval is required for any excavation work within a road reserve (from the building line on one side of the street to the building line on the other), such as installing and maintaining utilities.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) determines the requirements for obtaining a Working within the road reserve permit. Their website provides detailed information to help determine if a permit is required.
Application requirements
Permits can only be obtained by
- builders
- public utility managers
- road managers/ contractors*
*A person or body responsible for conducting the works. Where the applicant is not the road manager, the road manager must be nominated.
Insurance cover
The contractor/road manager must be fully insured with a minimum of $20 million in Public Liability Insurance.
Supporting documents
The following documents must also be supplied with an application:
- Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance Policy with a minimum cover amount of $20 million.
- Traffic Management Plan
- Approved plans and construction drawings outlining the work
- Approved Drainage Plans and Point of Discharge approval (if work involves a stormwater connection).
- Endorsed Town Planning approved plans if related to a town planning permit (not including vehicle crossing), e.g., construction of a new path or pram crossing.
Note: Council will review your application within ten working days. Works must not commence prior to receiving consent. Performing works in a road reserve without Council's consent may result in a penalty being issued.
Traffic Management Plans
You will need a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for works within the road reserve (which includes the nature strip, footpath, kerb, channel, and roadway). If control devices are planned to be temporarily installed, a DTA Memorandum of Authorisation (MOA) is required.
A TMP considers how the work will impact others in the area (workers, motorists, pedestrians and residents) and ensures the appropriate steps are taken to ensure the work is completed safely.
Does Council provide approval for a Traffic Management Plan (TMP)?
Council does not endorse Traffic management plans; all applicants should seek out a suitably qualified traffic management plan consultant for the design.
It is the road managers' (person/s conducting the works) responsibility to ensure the traffic management plan is in line with the Road Safety Act 1986 and Road Management Act 2004 and any other Act relevant to the works being undertaken in place at the time of the works.
The road manager is responsible for undertaking regular site audits during the works to ensure compliance with the TMP.
Road ownership
Read our Roads that Council looks after page to see which roads the City of Casey and the DTP manage.
Permit fee & bond
The fee and bond (if required) must be paid by the contractor, builder or company that holds the Public Liability Insurance.
A security bond is required (excluding laying of water mains with a ‘Confirmation of Annual Contract’ letter from South East Water). For more information on the security bond and how to reclaim it, please see our Apply for Working within the Road Reserve final inspection & Bond return page.
The Victorian government sets the associated consent fee, which depends on the road classification, speed limit, and work type.
Fees and Definitions of Works and Minor Works are outlined in the Road management (Works and Infrastructure) Regulations 2015.
| Major works | Minor works that impact traffic | |||
| On roadway, shoulder or pathway | Not on roadway, shoulder or pathway | On roadway, shoulder or pathway | Not on roadway, shoulder or pathway | |
| Municipal Roads, speed over 50km/h | 43.1 fee units $703.80 | 23.5 fee units $383.80 | 9.3 fee units $151.90 | 6 fee units $98.00 |
| Municipal Roads, speed under 50km/h | 23.5 fee units $383.80 | 6 fee units $98.00 | 9.3 fee units $151.90 | 6 fee units $98.00 |
| Single Connection Point | Multiple Connection Points | |
| Storm Water Connection in Easement NOT in road reserve | 9.3 fee units $151.90 | 23.5 fee units $383.80 |
Hold and Witness Point Inspections
Call Council on (03) 9705 5272 to request an inspection when the site is ready per your permit conditions. Three business days' notice is required, and bookings are subject to availability.
How to apply
Applying online is the quickest way to receive your permit. You'll receive your permit via email within ten working days.
If you can't apply online, use the downloadable version of the working within the road reserve application form.
You will also need to fill in and return a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) before obtaining a permit.
Submit your application:
- via post
- via email to AssetPermitsConsent_CP@casey.vic.gov.au
- in person at our customer service centres
What happens next
Once your form and payment are received, your application will be assessed, and you will be notified of the outcome within 10 business days.
You must not commence the work until consent has been provided.
Permit information
- Your approval is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
- If the works from the original application have changed, you must notify Council before commencing any work.