Nature Strip Landscaping Permit

Do I need a Nature Strip Landscaping Permit?

It is a requirement of the Shire’s Community Amenity Local Law 2022, Works on Council Land or Roads to obtain a permit to landscape Council land and a requirement of the Road Management Act 2004 to obtain written consent of the coordinating road authority. For more information on the Shire’s Community Amenity Local Law 2022 or to access a copy, please see Local Law.

Types of landscaping works include:

  • Planting
  • Digging
  • Excavating
  • Ground levelling
  • Tree removal

Why do I need a Nature Strip Landscaping Permit?

The purpose of the permit is to protect public safety, minimise damage to natural and built community assets, maintain access to public utilities and enhance neighbourhood character.

When your application is received, an Authorised Officer will consider the following:

  • Protecting public safety
  • Maintaining driver line-of-sight
  • Providing pedestrian access
  • Maintaining access to Utility services
  • Protecting assets e.g. existing native vegetation, footpath
  • Maintaining functionality of built assets e.g. power poles, traffic signs
  • Preserving the established neighbourhood character

An Authorised Officer will conduct inspections for the duration of the permit to monitor compliance with the permit and any associated conditions, check that public safety is not impacted by the works and to ensure that any damage is repaired and paid for.

Do I need any other Permits or Approvals?

You might need a Planning Permit to remove vegetation within the road reserve, in addition to the Nature Strip Landscaping permit to conduct the works. Vegetation can include trees, shrubs and native grasses. For more information, see Do I need a planning permit?

You might also need to submit a Traffic Management Plan to the Shire for review and approval e.g. for road closures or traffic detours. If your works are on a VicRoads Declared Road, you must comply with VicRoads traffic management requirements. For more information on when a Traffic Management Plan is required, VicRoads requirements and how to submit an assessment, please see Traffic Management Plans.

What should I consider in my design?

Applications to replace existing lawn with an alternative landscape design will be considered if the proposal contributes to the established neighbourhood character but does not impact on public or driver safety, restrict access for Utility officers or obstruct pedestrian access.

An application to landscape the nature strip will be assessed in accordance with the Shire's Private Works on Nature Strips & Road Reserves Policy, to access a copy see the Policy(PDF, 677KB). A minimum 1.5 metre wide clearance must be provided for pedestrian access. For further information on plants and materials that are not permitted, conditions for planting trees and alternative surface treatments, please see Appendix 1 – Landscaping Guidelines(PDF, 677KB).

Application Process

Step 1.Site Plan

You will need to submit a Site Plan with your application showing the location of:

  • The property frontage and side boundaries
  • Setback distances
  • All existing assets e.g. trees, vegetation, footpath, drainage pits, power poles etc.
  • Landscape design
  • Plant selection list

Step 2.Submit your Application

Complete and submit your application. You will be required to provide:

  • Property and contractor details
  • Period of works
  • Planning Permit number (if required for vegetation removal)
  • Attach a Site Plan (including the landscape design and plant selection list)
  • Attach a Traffic Management Plan (if applicable)
  • For tree removal, a copy of your contractor’s current certificate of public liability (minimum $20,000,000)
  • Pay the relevant permit fee ($79 for works less than 8.5m2 or $376 for tree removal or works greater than 8.5m2)

No works can begin, including vegetation removal, excavation and planting, until a permit has been issued and all conditions have been met. If any works begin before a Permit is issued, enforcement action will be taken.

Apply and Pay Online

Step 3.Preliminary Site Inspection

Once your application is received, an Authorised Officer will conduct a site visit to assess the proposal. An Authorised Officer may request additional documentation e.g. an arborist report if the proposal includes tree removal due to the health of the tree. The application may be approved, approved with conditions or declined.

Step 4.Permit Issued

If the application is approved, a Permit will be issued (including any additional conditions that apply) as soon as possible but depending on the complexity of the application e.g. planning and design considerations, it may take up to 28 business days to finalise your application.

Step 5.Final Inspection

You are required to notify Council when works are completed. The Authorised Officer will inspect the completed works for:

  • Compliance with the Permit conditions
  • Any damage to Council assets within the road reserve
  • Any public safety issues created by the works

To request an inspection, please complete the online form.

Request an Inspection

 

Plant selection

 

Did you know that choosing local native plants that are suited to your specific region of the Mornington Peninsula Shire will help to maintain our diverse, natural environment?

 

The Shire has produced a series of regional revegetation guides to help you select native plants that are suitable for your local area. To access a copy, visit our Revegetation Plant Guides page.

 

You can find a great range of local native plants and get advice on selecting plants at the Shire Nursery.

Designs that will not be approved

 

Designs that will not be approved include:

  • Designated car parking spaces on nature strips
  • Hard landscaping e.g. retaining walls, edging
  • Impermeable surfaces e.g. concrete, artificial turf, pavers

 

For more information on plants and materials that are not permitted, please see Appendix 1 - Landscaping Guidelines(PDF, 677KB).

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