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).