Permit for activities or works on Roads or in Parks or Public Reserves

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To undertake temporary commercial activities or works on, from or within a public road, park or public reserve under the care and control of the City of Launceston, all individuals, builders, contractors, businesses and organisations are required to have either a Permit or Authorisation before commencing the activity or work. 

Submission of an application for a Permit/Authorisation is required at least ten (10) working days prior to the intended commencement date of the proposed works.

Works and commercial activities may include: 

  • placing objects or materials within or over a highway 
  • building any structures 
  • providing service connections 
  • use of machinery and/or vehicles for building works 
  • erecting a hoarding, overhead protective awning, or scaffolding 
  • fencing 
  • landscaping works, including planting or removing a tree or other vegetation 
  • placement of skip bins and shipping containers

Permit/Authorisation Exclusions

The Permit/Authorisation does not apply to activities (where covered by other specific policies and procedures), such as: 

  • On-Street Dining 

  • Mobile Food Vendors 

  • Private Driveway Vehicular Crossing Works (where no additional occupation of the public road occurs during the works) 

Fee Structure

Fees may apply to the Permit/Authorisation.  The occupation fees are set by Council, reviewed annually, and published on our website here. 

Where fees apply, they will be invoiced.  Payment will be required before a Permit/Authorisation will be issued. 

The fees are structured such as: 

  • Location and size of the area being occupied 

  • Level of impact on users and the community 

  • Duration of occupation 

  • For occupations less that one week, fees are calculated on a 7-day pro rata basis, with a minimum fee applicable 

  • Permits/Authorisations exceeding the maximum weekly rate will be capped at the nominated rate 

  • Where Permit/Authorisation extensions are required, the holder must contact the relevant issuing officer a minimum of three (3) business days prior. Additional fees will apply. 

If occupation includes the use of metered parking bays, additional parking fees will apply.

Fee Exclusions

The fees do not apply to the following activities: 

  • Charitable organisations (activities/events) 

  • Council-sponsored events 

  • Approved City Activation trials 

  • Emergency works 

  • Public roads, parks or public reserves that are not under the ownership, care and/or control of the Council 

  • Utility providers 

  • Works on Council or government-owned buildings adjacent to a Road, Park or Public Reserve

Permit/Authorisation Holder Responsibilities

The Permit/Authorisation holder is required to: 

  • Ensure the safety of the workplace, the public and nearby properties 

  • Prevent unauthorised access to the Worksite 

  • Prominently display the Permit/Authorisation on the site perimeter at all times 

  • Provide a safe system of work that complies with all Acts and Regulations related to Work Health and Safety and Workplace Relations, and including, where required, but not limited to, Working in a Road, and Traffic Management Plans 

  • Have the required public liability insurance for the duration of the works or activity 

  • Reinstate the area occupied 

Works or commercial activities may not commence until the fee is paid (if applicable), and the Permit/Authorisation has been issued. 

How to Apply for a Permit/Authorisation

1. Prepare your supporting documentation 

Required documents - to complete your application, you will be asked to provide: 

  • Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance (PLI) - you must have a minimum of $20 million PLI cover in the name of the individual or company making the application 

  • Accredited Traffic Management Plan and Traffic Guidance Scheme (or explanation for an exemption) 

  • Pre-condition photographs 

  • Map or drawing identifying the area to be occupied 

Additional information - you may also be asked to: 

  • Provide additional information related to the application before we can determine the application for a Permit/Authorisation 

  • Give local public notice of the application for a Permit/Authorisation 

  • Apply for a Road Closure Permit 

  • Undertake stakeholder notification 

We will let you know if this additional information is required. 

2. Read the Road, Parks and Public Reserves Occupation Policy and Guidelines 

Council is committed to supporting business development and growth through the controlled occupancy of Council’s roads, parks and public reserves managed by Council. It acknowledges that on occasions a proposed occupancy may not be possible, and in those instances, it will work with businesses to find suitable alternate solutions where practicable. 

The policy should be read in conjunction with the Guidelines for Occupation of Roads, Parks and Public Reserves (27-HLPrx-003)(PDF, 582KB).  The guidelines have been developed to help applicants understand the: 

  • Process for undertaking commercial or building activities on, from or within a public road, park or public reserve 

  • Types of activities that may be considered appropriate on a public road or in parks and public reserves 

  • General Terms and Conditions that may be applicable to Permits and Authorisations for such activities 

3. Apply online 

When you have your required documents ready, click below to apply online. 

You can save your application as you go and return to it later to complete, but remember, 10 working days’ notice is required prior to the intended commencement date of the proposed works. 

Late applications may be considered, but Council cannot guarantee that the application will be considered in time for the Permit/Authorisation to be granted. 

Apply online via the link below or if you would prefer a PDF form, please email CoLCustomerService@launceston.tas.gov.au

Apply Online

Need assistance? 
Please contact us by phone or email: 
Telephone: (03) 6323 3000 (Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5pm) 
Email: contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au  

    
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do my works need a Traffic Management Plan?

All permit applications must include a Traffic Management Plan developed by a suitable qualified and accredited person.

Can I draw a traffic management plan for my own works?

Plans must conform to (but not limited to) AS1742.3 Manual of uniform traffic control devices, Part 3: Traffic control for works on roads, and Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management.

Which roads are Council’s responsibility?

Council is responsible for all roads within its boundaries except for State, private and forestry roads.  View our Roads and Transport page for more information about roads and road responsibility. 

How long does an application take?

An application must be submitted a minimum of 10 working days prior to the work/activity commencement date.  

Processing of the application is subject to resourcing.  Generally, it will take approximately 5 to 7 days. 

It is strongly encouraged to submit complex applications earlier to ensure a Permit/Authorisation is issued in time for the commencement date. 

If additional information is required before we can determine the application, the process may exceed 10 working days. 

Works cannot commence until a Permit/Authorisation is issued. 

Can a permit be extended?

Yes.  A request for an extension can only be made while the Permit/Authorisation is valid.  The extension request must be submitted in writing at least three (3) business days prior to the expiry date. 

To apply for an extension, email your Permit/Authorisation issuing Officer, or CoLCustomerService@launceston.tas.gov.au  

Applying for an extension does not guarantee that an extension will be approved. 

Requests for an extension after the expiry date of the Permit/Authorisation will not be accepted, and a new application will be required. 

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