Driveways

Council is the road authority for public roads within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) and oversees any work within the road reserve.

This includes:

  • Driveway access crossings
  • Stormwater connections
  • Utility connections

Planning a project?

Are you considering any of the following projects in the Cessnock LGA?

  • Constructing or updating a driveway
  • Connecting stormwater outlets
  • Connecting utilities

If so, you must lodge a Section 138 (S138) Roads Act application via the NSW Planning Portal.

Why Apply?

By ensuring a standard of construction through Council’s assessment and inspection process, we can:

  • Minimise slip hazards
  • Ensure footpaths are not adversely affected
  • Prevent traffic issues by avoiding driveways too close to corners
  • Maintain safe distances from power, water, gas, telephony, vegetation, and neighbouring properties
  • Ensure driveways are built to last, providing long-term durability

Types of Driveway Crossings

There are three types of driveway access crossings:

  • Concrete Driveway: Standard requirement for areas where there is existing kerb and guttering within the road formation.
  • Bitumen/Asphalt Driveway: Common in rural settings and urban areas without kerb and gutter connection.
  • Gravel Driveway: Applicable only in areas where rural roads are unsealed and consist of a gravel formation.

 

Driveway assessment requirements

When assessing a Section 138 application for a driveway, it is essential to include the minimum required information within the submitted plans. Council’s Standard drawings are available to assist in designing your driveway. The necessary driveway information to be submitted includes:

  • A site plan indicating the location and proposed width
  • Details such as thickness, concrete specifications, steel reinforcement, and connections
  • Drainage measurements for Bitumen/Asphalt driveways
  • The gradient from the road edge to the boundary
  • The location of service pits, power poles, stormwater pits, trees, side boundary distances, and any other identifying features
Location Requirements

Specific safety requirements must be met when constructing a driveway, including sight distance in accordance with Australian Standards and offset clearance distance in accordance with Council’s guidelines.

Driveway Gradient

The gradient of the driveway is an important aspect of construction for several reasons:

  • It ensures suitable ground clearance for vehicles, with the internal driveway designed to meet council’s crossover requirements
  • It provides a suitable grade for the footpath across the driveway
  • It facilitates adequate drainage measures.

Application Process

1. Submit Your Application: Applications must be submitted on the NSW Planning Portal. You'll need to provide:

  • Applicant details
  • Property address or lot and DP
  • Construction plans, including a site plan and cross-section
  • Public indemnity Insurance details
  • Traffic management plan

2. Assessment: Once all required information and fees are received, Council aims to approve applications within 10 working days. If additional information is needed, we will request it via the NSW Planning Portal. Council will contact the applicant for payment of fees.

3. Approval: An approval to carry out the work will be uploaded on the NSW Planning Portal and will include stamped construction plans as well as the applicable standard drawings. Contractors conducting the work are to have a copy of the stamped approval on-site for reference. It is the responsibility of the applicant and contractor to ensure the outlined conditions are followed.

4. Inspections: A Council engineer will inspect the driveway prior to pouring concrete or prior to works if a bitumen crossover to ensure compliance with Council’s specification. The contractor may be asked to adjust construction works if the works are not compliant. A final inspection is also required to ensure the site has been remediated with no hazards evident.

Hold point inspections are as follows;

  • Pre-pour Inspection: Must be booked before pouring concrete or prior to seal. You may nominate who should receive the result.
  • Final Inspection: A compliance certificate will be issued to applicant only once works are considered satisfactory.
  • Re-inspection: Additional inspection fees are applicable where construction is non-compliant.

Additional Information

Track Your Application:

Use the Council's Development Application Tracker Tool here. 

Book Inspections:

Please call Customer Relations on 4993 4100 (9.00am-5.00pm weekdays).

Approval is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. Modifications or renewals of lapsed approvals must be lodged on the NSW Planning Portal.

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