An Asset Protection Permit is needed when a Building Permit has been issued or building or demolition works are proposed. Property owners or contractors must obtain an Asset Protection Permit at least seven days prior to the commencement of any building work.
This helps to protect our footpaths, nature strips, vehicle crossings, kerbs, channels, drains, roads and laneways. Any adjoining parks also need to be protected.
If access to the building site is required through Council owned land (parks, carparks, Council owned buildings) a separate permit is required. Please make a note in the application if access through Council owned land is required.
The Asset Protection Permit sets out what contractors and builders must do before finishing the works to ensure the assets are left in the same condition they were found in. The permit also helps Council know who is working where and makes sure that the roads and footpaths remain usable and accessible for all residents and businesses.
Application Requirements
- The applicant and the person paying must be the same (same name or business).
- If they are not the same, the application will be rejected and a refund issued (this can take up to 2 weeks).
- You will need to submit a new application, and it will be processed from the date it is received.
Required Documents
- You must provide a Certificate of Currency from your builder, contractor, or demolition company.
- This must show at least $20 million Public Liability Insurance.
- The certificate must be current (valid) at the time you apply.
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A pre-commencement report is required. Please complete the report using this template and include photos of the nearby Council assets that may be affected (e.g. footpath, kerb, road, signs, trees):
Pre-commencement Report (including photographs) ( DOCX 2.53MB)
⚠️ Your application will not be processed until all required documents are submitted. Missing or invalid documents will delay your application.
Asset Protection Permit Process
Step 1: Apply
An application fee and a security bond are required. The bond will be refunded once the works are completed, inspected, and approved (current timeframe approximately 8 weeks).
The applicant and the person paying must be the same (same name or business). You must provide a Certificate of Currency from your builder, contractor, or demolition company.
- This must show at least $20 million Public Liability Insurance.
- The certificate must be current (valid) at the time you apply.
A pre-commencement report is required - view the application requirements above.
Click here to lodge your application.
Step 2: Site Inspection
Council officers will conduct a pre-inspection of Council assets before works commence to identify any pre-existing damage. You do not need to book this.
Step 3: Receive your permit
You need to meet the requirements of application submission and have paid the application fee and security bond. Additional bonds may apply (e.g. for corner blocks, double frontages or multi-unit developments).
Please note: If an additional bond is required, Council will contact you before issuing an invoice.
Your Asset Protection Permit will be issued once all requirements and payments are completed.
You must comply with the permit conditions.
Expiry: The permit is valid for 24 months (or while the building permit is valid).
Step 4: Final Inspection
The permit holder (fee payer) is required to apply online for a final inspection request once all works are completed.
All works complete on site includes the following:
- Building works complete and occupancy permit issued.
- All landscape/fencing works complete on the property (when appropriate).
- Reinstatement of all damaged assets in the road reserve complete (footpath, nature strip, kerb and channel, signage, parking bay markings etc).
- Any outstanding tree issues resolved with Parks and Natural Environment Department and proof provided to Council (if applicable).
Please note: If the works are not complete prior to inspection, you may incur an additional fee.
If damage to Council assets is found at the final inspection (final inspection has failed), Council will notify you and provide a list of required rectifications. The damaged public area needs to be made safe immediately and maintained in a safe condition until repairs are carried out. Repairs should be completed within 45 days.
Please note: You will need to re-apply online for a subsequent final inspection following rectification works.
Please apply here: Request a Final Inspection for an Asset Protection Permit.
Step 5: Security Bond Refund
Security deposits are returned once the restorative works are successfully completed by the Final Inspection Process (Step 4) and approved by an inspector. Whitehorse City Council reserves the right to charge additional Security Deposits based on the scope of works and potential damage to Council assets.
Only the person or company who paid the bond can apply for the refund. Asset Protection and Drainage Final Inspection Refunds can take up to 8 weeks to be processed.
