What is a vehicle crossover?
The crossover is the strip of driveway from the road kerb to your property boundary, including where it crosses the footpath. It is part of the road reserve, which the council manages — even though you pay for it and use it every day.
Because of that, a crossover is normally built to the council's own standard drawing (thickness, reinforcing, kerb shape and levels), and a new, wider or relocated crossover usually needs the council's consent first.
The permits you are most likely to meet
- Consent to work in the road reserve / vehicle crossing permit. Needed to build, widen, move or replace a crossover. Some councils inspect the formwork and reinforcing before the pour and again at the end — the concrete must not go in until that inspection has passed.
- Asset protection permit. Many councils ask for this before building work starts near council assets such as footpaths, kerbs, nature strips and drains. It usually involves a fee and sometimes a refundable bond. Photos of any existing damage protect you from being charged for it later.
- Before You Dig. Before any excavation, underground services (gas, water, power, NBN) are located through the free Before You Dig Australia service.
Which council are you in?
Most of our area — Mickleham, Greenvale, Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights and Kalkallo — is in the City of Hume. Donnybrook sits on the edge of several councils, so check your rates notice. Nearby councils include Whittlesea, Mitchell, Merri-bek and Darebin. Each has its own forms, fees and inspection steps, and the fees change every financial year — your council's website has the current figures.
Who does what
| Usually the homeowner | Usually us |
|---|---|
| Owner's consent and signature on council forms | Measure up and tell you which permits your job needs |
| Council fees and any bond, unless your quote says otherwise | Build to the council's standard drawing |
| Photos of the footpath and kerb before work starts | Before You Dig enquiry before excavation |
| Keeping the council's approval letter handy | Be ready for council inspections on site |
Every council and every job is a little different. At the free measure we will go through exactly what yours needs and who lodges each form.
Contracts over $10,000
In Victoria, domestic building work over $10,000 needs a written major domestic building contract, and the builder must be registered. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains your rights: builders and building practitioners.