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, 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 may 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?
A planning permit is not always required to remove vegetation from within the road reserve, however regardless of whether you need a planning permit or not, a Nature Strip Landscaping Permit will always be required prior to undertaking any vegetation removal or landscaping works in order to obtain consent under the Road Management Act 2004 and Council's Community Amenity Local Law 2022. The two different applications/permit types cover separate legislation and have different decision criteria.
Whether a planning permit is required will depend on the specific planning controls (e.g. overlays, schedules and existing planning permits) that apply to your area and whether any relevant planning permit exemptions apply.
A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) and Memorandum of Authorisation (MOA) application may be required depending on the scope of works. If required, the TMP and MOA must be submitted to and approved by the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Traffic & Transport Team prior to conducting any works. If your works are on a VicRoads Arterial Road, you must also comply with VicRoads/Department of Transport and Planning traffic management requirements. For further information on when a Traffic Management Plan is required, VicRoads requirements, or how to submit your TMP and MOA applications please visit 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).
Please note: The planting of exotic plant species within the road reserve is generally not supported. We request all plants be of species indigenous to the Mornington Peninsula. See Plants of the Peninsula for more information and to assist with species selection.