Secondary Driveway Application Process (ACT)

When proposing works that include a secondary driveway, it is required that you receive an approval from Transport Canberra and Community Services (TCCS). The area in which TCCS is concerned with is the verge crossing (the area of the driveway which crosses over public land).

The application form can be located here: https://form.act.gov.au/smartforms/servlet/SmartForm.html?formCode=1050

For this application, you will require a site plan with the proposed verge crossing marked, with details regarding dimensions, material and gradient marked. The site plan will also require an integrated Site Survey so that the driveway can be shown to meet the necessary clearances from street trees and public assets.

We are able to assist you with the preparation of these plans, and are happy to assist and provide advice regarding these applications. A basic factsheet from TCCS can be found here: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/plan-and-build/building-works/driveway-applications/driveway-approval-factsheet. In general however, these are the principles that should be kept in mind when constructing a secondary driveway:

• The maximum gradient for verge crossing upward is 17%, and downward is 12%

• Typically, the minimum width for these crossings is 3m, with a maximum of 5.5m

• Must be outside the dripline of old and/or mature trees, and have a minimum clearance of 3m from small and new trees

• 1.2m clearance from sumps and other services

• 1.5m clearance from streetlights and transformers

If you have a footpath that runs through the area in which the second driveway is proposed, TCCS encourages that the pathing is kept, however will accept the removal of this public pathing if the new footpath section is constructed to the relevant standards.

TCCS states they have a minimum assessment time of 15 days.

If you are proposing an overall design that requires a Development Approval (DA), and a secondary driveway is a part of this design, the secondary driveway can be approved as a part of this DA application, and does not require a separate application.

Government fees and charges for the overall process range from $350.00 to $400.00.

When you are commencing with the construction of an approved secondary driveway, TCCS will require inspection prior to the pouring of the concrete, or the placement of the top surface layer for the driveway.

For any further information about this process please email planning@cgfb.com.au