Apply for a road opening permit

Due to an unplanned increase in workload, there are delays in processing applications and requests. Current processing times are approximately 6 to 8 weeks. We appreciate your patience during this time.

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When would you need this?

To trench or undertake any form of excavation in the road reserve (which constitutes the nature strip, footpath and road pavement), including to:

  • Install a new stormwater pipe from the property to the kerb.
  • Connect to sewer and water mains.
  • Connect to below ground power or telecommunications cables.
  • Replace or maintain existing stormwater, water or sewer pipes or power or telecommunications cables.
  • Replace footpath, kerb or road damaged by builders.
  • Undertake root mapping of trees within the road reserve.

What you need to know:

  • Permit approval is subject to Council's engineer's satisfaction with the proposed works outlined in the submissions requirements form.
  • Where the road opening is for construction of a stormwater connection associated with a complying development certificate (CDC), a detailed plan showing the stormwater pipe and the proposed connection point must be submitted.  The connection will need to be in accordance with Council’s requirements, as detailed in Part I of the Willoughby DCP(PDF, 2MB)  and Technical Standard 1.
  • To protect pedestrians and manage impacts on traffic, a traffic control plan will be required for most applications.  For requirements and more details refer to: Road opening permit application guidelines(PDF, 231KB)
  • Restoration of areas will be undertaken by Council.  Charges for restoration works will be determined by Council’s Restoration Officer during assessment of the permit and must be paid prior to approval of the permit.

Step 1.Fees and charges

  • The application and assessment fees will be charged on lodgement.
  • Restoration fees will be determined by Council Engineers based on Council’s assessment of the extent of trenching.  Restoration fees will be payable prior to issue of the permit.
  • If the area of trenching undertaken exceeds the area approved by Council, additional fees will be imposed and payable to Council.
  • Check Council's adopted fees and charges.
  • Note - for urgent road opening permits there are additional fees.

Step 2.What you will need to provide

  • Plan clearly showing where the trenching will occur, including site boundary, location of footpath and kerb and dimensions of the length and width of the trench.  If a clear plan is not provided the application will be refused (mandatory).
  • Public liability insurance certificate of currency (mandatory).
  • For works undertaken on behalf of a network utility authority, evidence that you are undertaking the work on behalf of the authority.  This may be a letter or a purchase order.
  • Traffic control plan (mandatory). 

Step 3.Register or login to submit application

Not registered? You will require a MyWilloughby account to submit an application.

Register your MyWilloughby account

Already registered?

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Modify an existing permit

Step 4.What happens next

You will receive an application reference number which you can use to track your application. 

You will also be notified once your application has been assessed and details will be provided of additional fees to be paid including restoration fees, or additional information to be submitted to Council.

Not registered?

Register your MyWilloughby account

Why register?

  • to create and track requests
  • submit and view applications
  • make a payment.

Payment options

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Need further assistance?

Call our Customer Service Centre on:

02 9777 1000

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