Council permits & applications
Many types of permits can leave you guessing which one is right for your site — we navigate that for you.
When it comes to public safety, staying within the bounds of compliance is non-negotiable. If your project requires a council permit for traffic control, Sightline assists with the entire process — from identifying which permit applies to your site, through to lodging, liaison, and approval.
When is a council permit required?
Whenever works, machinery, or a closure will affect an existing council asset — the grass verge, footpath, road, or any other public infrastructure. Before commencing any works on a council or government asset, all relevant stakeholders within that jurisdiction must be notified to ensure full compliance with the law.
Types of permits we obtain
Local approval (Section 68) and Section 138 Roads Act approval
Application to use a public place for construction activities (Section 45, Public Unleased Land Act 2013 — ACT)
Roads Act application, parking permit, works on council property
Work zone, road occupancy and standing plant permits
Road opening, occupation, lane and footpath closure permits
Road closure permits — temporary, long-term or full
Major and minor works permits
Stand or operate plant, access or occupy public space, and public domain work permits
Hoarding, scaffolding and temporary structure permits
Approval for building work outside standard permitted hours
Speed zone authorisation and mobile hoisting or crane permits
Night works and out-of-hours approval
Temporary access over community land permit
Road management approval; open, occupy or underbore a roadway or footpath
Road Occupancy Licence, Special Event Permit, and Construction Traffic Management Plan where relevant
How long does it take?
Depending on the permit type and council, approval can take anywhere from 1 day to 3 months. Contact us for an accurate estimate specific to your project.
Our process
- 01
Identify the permit or permits required, consulting with the relevant council where needed
- 02
Prepare the documentation — TMP, public liability insurance, risk assessment, and other council-specific requirements
- 03
Review fees and charges upfront, so there are no surprises partway through
- 04
Submit the application accurately and completely to avoid unnecessary delays
- 05
Liaise through approval — managing council communication and community notification where required
- 06
Support implementation — ensuring the plan is implemented exactly as outlined, meeting council standards
Avoiding common delays
Start early — begin well ahead of your intended start date to absorb council processing time
Submit a complete application — incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delay
Stay across changing regulations — we monitor this so you don't have to
Engage the community early — addressing concerns upfront avoids delays later in the approval process
Sightline manages council permit approvals for projects of every scale — from shop-front awnings to major infrastructure upgrades — across multiple council jurisdictions.
Common questions
How do I know which permit my project needs?
We assess your project against council and state requirements and identify exactly which permits apply, so you don't have to guess.
What counts as a “council asset” requiring a permit?
Any existing council or government asset — the road, footpath, nature strip or grass verge, or other public infrastructure — where works, machinery, or a closure will affect it.
Do I need to notify anyone before starting works on a council asset?
Yes — all relevant stakeholders within that council's jurisdiction must be notified before works commence.
How long does council permit approval take?
Anywhere from 1 day to 3 months, depending on the permit type and council.
Will I know the fees and charges involved upfront?
Yes — we review all applicable fees and charges as part of the approval process, so costs are clear before works commence.
What documentation is typically required?
Commonly a Traffic Management Plan, proof of public liability insurance, a risk assessment report, and any additional council-specific documents.
Send us the drawings. We'll tell you what you need.
2. Plans, if they exist
3. A description of the works
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