Apply for a permit

Earthworks involve filling or excavating land. You need to apply for approval unless the work is part of a development that has already been approved. Consent is required in order to address erosion and sediment control, tree loss and drainage impacts.

Do you have concerns about earthwork?

If you have concerns about earthworks occurring at a property, you may wish to lodge a request with Council to investigate.

Lodge a request here

Apply now

Information about lodging a development application

Hoardings provide safe temporary fencing to protect the public from the hazards of adjacent construction, excavation or demolition works. Hornsby Council classifies hoardings into three categories:

Class A

Class A Hoarding is a fence that is located no more than 300mm onto Council land.

Class B

Class B Hoarding is a solid structure and the largest type of hoarding able to be applied for. It is commonly required where overhead protection is needed for pedestrians utilising the footpath, and may be with or without site sheds overhead.

Class C

Class C Hoarding is a fence or scaffolding that is located more than 300mm and up to 1800mm into Council land where the width is:

• at least 3500mm, or
• not more than half the width of the 3500mm, or
• not more than half the width of the footpath/footway whichever is the lesser.

Apply now

Applying for a temporary fencing/hoarding permit can now be made online with the upfront payment of the non-refundable Permit Fee.

The total cost payable by the applicant will be based on Council’s Fees and Charges as applicable for the hoarding type. The actual hoarding type will be assessed on-site by Council’s Environmental Compliance Officer.

Online application for hoardings

Council approval is required to place mobile cranes/plants on footpaths, nature strips, road shoulders, roadways or road-related areas. This includes any activity that involves hoisting goods over a pedestrian area, concrete pour.

The application requires a Traffic Control Plan, which can only be prepared by a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) certified designer for Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS).

Crane Operators must hold the correct class of mobile crane high risk work licence for the crane they are operating.

Mobile cranes/plants on private property do not require an application or fee.

Apply now

An Out of Hours Permit is required to carry out work on building sites outside normal permitted times. The normal working hours as approved by Council are:

1. General

   Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm
   Saturday, 7am-5pm
   Sunday and public holidays - no work permitted

2. Development Application conditions

   Where a DA has been issued for the works, those conditions will dictate the permitted working hours.

Guidelines

Council recognises there are circumstances where it is necessary to carry out works on building sites outside of permitted times.

Each application will be assessed on its individual merit and circumstances, taking into account the effect on the safety and amenity to residents and general public. All applications must be approved by a Council Officer and will not automatically be granted approval.

Applications should be lodged at least 2 business days ahead of the scheduled works. This will allow time to consider the request and to notify local residents. Applications need to clearly outline the works and provide justification.

Common reasons

• Concrete pours: Where there is an engineering requirement, frequency of concrete deliveries, weather and size of the pour itself.
• Tower crane installations and dismantle: For safety reasons, minimise traffic disruption / road closures and restricted travel times for heavy vehicles.
• Restricted delivery times and access: Restricted travel times for heavy vehicles, restrictions placed by other authorities or impacts emergency services such as hospitals.
• Business park or shopping precinct: For safety reasons and to minimise disruption to daily tenants.

Apply now

Applying for an out of hours permit can now be made online with the upfront payment of the non-refundable permit fee.

The total cost payable by the applicant will be based on Council’s fees and charges as applicable for the works to be carried out. The permit will be assessed by Council’s Environmental Compliance Officer.

Apply now

A road opening permit allows a person to dig into Council's assets, such as roads, footpaths and nature strips. The applicant must pay the cost of restoring the public asset once the work is finished.

Applying for a road opening permit can now be made online with the upfront payment of the non-refundable Permit Fee.

The total cost payable by the applicant will be based on Council’s Fees and Charges as applicable for the restoration of the asset type(s) disturbed by the road opening. The actual area of the asset type(s) to be restored will be assessed on-site by Council’s Restorations Supervisor.

See a complete listing of the current fees and charges including terms and conditions for Road Openings(PDF, 424KB). Please note: Fees are per sq m unless otherwise indicated.

Click to view Road Opening Typical Details(PDF, 71KB).

Click Survey Mark Status to view information provided by Land & Property Information, NSW Government.

Apply now

An application and payment by credit card can be made online.

Once paid, the applicant will receive two emails:

1. HSC online payment receipt
2. Request confirmation (permit approval) – the applicant can commence work subject to the Road Opening Permit – Plumbers and Drainers standard conditions.(PDF, 22KB)

Permits are valid for six (6) months only, from date of payment.

Apply online

Council approval is required for temporary full and partial road / footpath closures.

IMPORTANT – Before applying for a Temporary Full / Partial Road / Footpath Closure, please read the following important notes.

1. A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) is to be provided, in accordance with AS 1742.3 requirements. This application cannot be processed unless the TGS is supplied. The TGS needs to be signed off by a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) certified designer for Traffic Guidance Schemes.
2. A draft copy of resident/business notification must be attached to this application.
3. A copy of Approval for Road Occupancy Licence (ROL) from TfNSW's Traffic Management Centre, if required, should be attached with this application. (Where applicable)
4. Any application involving a full road closure and / or detour must be lodged with Council 28 days prior to works commencing.
5. Council may seek a recommendation from the Local Traffic Committee before approving any road closure that is anticipated to have significant impact on public transport, residential amenity or limit retail access.
6. Maximum of 28 continuous calendar days allowed for this permit.

Apply now

For more information about Temporary Road Closure permits phone 9847 6615.

Skip bin permit

Council approval is required to place skip bins or containers on footpaths, nature strips and road shoulders. Containers placed on private property do not incur a fee and no application is necessary.

Acceptable dimensions of waste container / shipping container

Acceptable dimensions for waste container / shipping container to be placed on road shoulders or footpaths, footways, nature strips or malls are as follows:

Apply now

Tips to hiring a waste removal service or skip bin

When hiring a skip bin, order one with a cover or lockable lid to prevent other people from dumping their rubbish in it.

Did you know that both the owner of the waste (yourself) and the transporter (removal company) of the waste are legally responsible for proving the waste was transported to a lawful place?

If someone is transporting waste on your behalf, make sure you receive a quote before collection and keep records of:

• Who transported the waste
  (company name, ABN, vehicle registration and driver details)
• Date and time
• Description of waste
• Where the waste was transported to
  (name and address of the contract person and place)
• Copies of dockets/ receipts for disposal of the waste

The Disposing of Waste lawfully form(PDF, 126KB) will help you keep track of the relevant details.

It’s important that all driveways and vehicular crossings are safe, while providing appropriate vehicle access. For works which include the construction of footpaths and/or kerb and gutter as part of a Development Application where a Construction Certificate is required, you must refer to Council's Planning Division for approval.

Application process (in sequence)

1. As per the Development Application/Complying Development Certificate requirement the owner or the builder applies for boundary levels.
2. The owner can obtain quotes directly from the authorised contractors when they are ready to construct the vehicular crossing.
   View list of authorised contractors
3. The authorised contractor lodges a separate application to construct vehicular crossing.
4. A pre-inspection, formwork inspection and final inspection will be done by Council’s engineer. Should there be any rectification works needed the contractor will be advised and there will be an additional inspection to make sure the construction complies with Council’s standards.
   Book an inspection
5. A final inspection can be done 14 days after the concrete pour and when the following items have been completed:

• The shape, level and surface finish to Council requirements
• Formboards are to be stripped
• Gaps backfilled with soil each side of the crossing neatly trimmed to a grade no more than 1 in 8 (12.5%)
• Asphalt works (if required) completed to Council requirements
• Damaged Council assets reconstructed
• Building waste including excess concrete removed
• All disturbed areas are turfed
• All service adjustments or relocations have been completed to suit the approved crossing levels with approval of the relevant service authority

A final approval certificate will be sent to the contractor if Council’s Engineer is satisfied with the vehicular crossing. If the inspection results in a non-approval, reinspections will be required until the works are completed to Council’s standards. A reinspection fee may apply.

Book an inspection

Key aspects of vehicular crossing specification

Hornsby Shire Council’s Vehicular Crossings Specification ensures the design and construction of all vehicular crossings (including driveways) is safe and the work complies with Australian Standards and Council policies.

The Specification covers all aspects of vehicular crossing construction including the approval process. Some key points in constructing a vehicular crossing:

• Customer flow chart explains the process of vehicular crossing construction.
• Residential developments are permitted a maximum of one (1) vehicular crossing for vehicle access. Commercial/industrial developments will be assessed on their merits.
• Any redundant (un-used) vehicular crossing and/or layback must be removed and the kerb and gutter should be reinstated at the owner’s expense to comply with Council’s Standards.
• Technical details of vehicular crossings are specified. Please note if the vehicular crossing is constructed in a finish other than plain concrete, Council will not be responsible for any restoration or repair work in a finish other than plain concrete.
• Standard drawings show the types and dimensions of vehicular crossings and laybacks.
• Explains the process to become an authorised contractor. Please note that the authorised contractor should nominate at least one person from their company who has completed the ‘Implement Traffic Control Plans’ training course. A copy of the accreditation needs to be submitted with the Traffic Control Plans.

Read Full Vehicular Crossing Specification(PDF, 1MB)

Applications

Authorised contractors’ log in

Only Authorised Contractors can apply to construct a vehicular Crossing in Hornsby Shire. As part of the Authorised Contractor approval process, you will be registered for Council’s Online Services which will provide the link to the Application to Construct a Vehicular Crossing. Please click on the link below to login to your account using the login credentials provided to you at the time of authorisation and to apply to construct vehicular crossing.

Log in to Online Services

Application to become an authorised contractor

Prior to applying, please read 1. Authorised Contractors Online Application Requirements by clicking the link below, then complete 2. Application to become an Authorised Contractor (ensuring to attach ALL items listed in the requirements document).

1. Authorised Contractors Online Application requirements(PDF, 151KB)

Apply to become an authorised contractor

Boundary Levels application

Boundary levels can be obtained by the owner or the builder for Development Application (DA) lodgement or Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. The current processing time for applications is 4-6 weeks from the lodgement date.

If you have an enquiry about your application, please send it to our email address ePathVeh@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Apply for Boundary Levels for a DA or CDC

A separate application should be lodged by an authorised contractor to construct vehicular crossing at the time of vehicular crossing construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

View frequently asked questions for vehicular crossings.

Frequently asked questions

Council approval is required for a work zone

IMPORTANT – Before applying for a Work Zone permit, please read the following important notes.

1. Works Zones are provided to facilitate the efficient and safe operation of construction projects while minimizing disruption to traffic and pedestrians. They are provided in accordance with the Road Transport Act 2013. Rule 181 of the Road Rules 2014 permits a driver to stop in a Work Zone if the driver is driving a vehicle that is: engaged in construction work in or near the Work Zone or dropping off or picking up passengers.
2. It is recommended that the road be at least 8 metres wide from kerb to kerb to accommodate a ‘Works Zone’. The applicant shall confirm the required width of road prior to submitting the application.
3. The Work Zone application fee* (GST not applicable) is non-refundable and must be paid in full before a permit is considered. For Council’s current Fees and Charges (*subject to change) please visit our Fees and Charges page.(PDF, 384KB)
4. A one-off charge* (incl. GST) will be charged by Council for the installation and removal of the Traffic Signs (two per charge) after approval of Work Zone application. For Council’s current Fees and Charges (*subject to change) please visit our Fees and Charges page.(PDF, 384KB)
5. The use of public roadway for work zone purposes – charged per linear metre per week* (GST not applicable). For Council’s current Fees and Charges (*subject to change) please visit our Fees and Charges page.(PDF, 384KB)

   Fee description	No. of Linear metres	No. of weeks	Charge as at 1 July 2026	Calculation of fee total
   Construction Zone Signs - per linear metre per week (The use of public roadway for work zone purposes)	12m	12w	$24.50 (per linear metre per week)	12m x 12w x $22.50 =$3,528

6. The applicant is responsible for maintaining the approved Works Zone signs installed by Council around the building site.
7. A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) is to be provided, in accordance with AS1742.3 requirements. This application cannot be processed unless the TGS is supplied. The TGS needs to be signed off by a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) certified designer for Traffic Guidance Schemes.
8. A draft copy of resident/business notification must be attached to this application (where applicable).
9. A copy of Approval for Road Occupancy Licence (ROL) from TfNSW Traffic Management Centre, if required, should be attached with this application (where applicable).
10. Work Zone must conform to the hours of demolition or building works stipulated by the Council on the relevant development consent. These hours of operation would normally be 7.00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Saturday.
11. A copy of the company’s public liability insurance policy is required for the amount of $20 million, indemnifying Hornsby Shire Council in the event of any member of the public suffering injury by reason of the works
12. Council will seek a recommendation from the Local Traffic Committee before approving any Work Zone that due to impact on public transport, residential amenity or limit retail access. The approval process is approximately 28 days.

Apply now

For more information about work zone permits phone 9847 6615.