Skip to main content Skip to main navigation

Obstruction Permit

An activity that obstructs any part of a public thoroughfare (e.g. roads, footpaths, verges or reserves) using any equipment, including cranes, cherry pickers, ladders, scaffolding, bins, sea containers, hand tools; or carrying out excavation works, filming or drone use, will require a permit.

 

The City of Perth processes approximately 300 Obstruction Permits each month. To assist the City in offering the highest level of service to all customers, the following terms apply:

  • Applications are to be submitted by the organisation/contractor who is doing the work or requires the equipment (skip bin, etc.).
  • All reinstatement work and/or financial liability to The City or third parties will be borne by the applicant.
  • Applicant must hold current Public Liability Insurance for a minimum sum of $10 million.

 

Assessment Time Frames:
minimum of five full business days are required for all Obstruction Permits. This includes requests for extensions.

If Main Roads WA approval is also required, you need to allow 15 full business days for their approval after receiving the City’s endorsed Traffic Management Plan.

 

Late Application/Expedited Assessment:

If you require assessment earlier than the minimum assessment time, a $100.00 late fee may be applicable. To request an expedited assessment please send an email, after you have lodged the permit application, to obstruction.permits@cityofperth.wa.gov.au stating the transaction reference number. The City will only consider these requests for:

 

  • Applications only requiring a Basic PMP
  • Skip Bin or Sea Container Applications
  • Basic Filming and Drone Applications (no road closures required)

 

Extension Request:

Extension requests must be made before the expiry of your current permit. The following applies:

  • An extension fee will apply (refer to the below Fees and Charges heading).
  • Extensions can only be applied to an existing application once.
  • Approved Obstruction Permits of 2-6 months will need to reapply, no extensions will be granted.

Parking Fees

Where parking bays are impacted by the obstruction, fees are applicable.

You will be invoiced separately for these fees once the assessment has been made by our Parking Services Unit. For current fees, please see Reserve or pay for a street parking bay.

 

All further queries on your application or the Obstruction Permit process, please contact Activity Approvals on 08 9461 3333 or by email at obstruction.permits@cityofperth.wa.gov.au.
Also see our handy guidelines
Obstruction Permit Guidelines 2023.

Key Details

Service TypeBuilding and construction
  • Fees & Charges

    The following fees and charges may apply to your application, any additional fees will be invoiced separately:

     

    Obstruction Permit Application for General Works 
    Standard application & processing fee
    $159 
    Fees that may apply in addition to the standard application & processing fee: 
    Road closure processing fee (additional to the $156 standard application & processing fee)  $190 
    Applications between 2 and 6 month duration: (per month or part of)  $40 
    Ground disturbance, per location (excavating in roadway or footpath)  $50 
    Late application fee  $100 
    Permit extension fee  $50 
    Document re-assessment fee per hour (min. 30 minutes)
    $100 
    Skip Bin or Sea Container Application 
    Residential and commercial standard application fee (parking bay fees may also apply)  $99 
    Commercial processing fee additional
    $60
    Helicopter Landing Application
    Standard application fee
    $99 
    Plus helicopter landing fee (per landing)
    $200 
    Filming & Drone Application 
    Standard application fee  $159 

    Additional fees that may apply (not shown above)

    Additional fees may be applicable for public health approvals and traffic management advice. Where these fees are payable, you will be notified by the Activity Approvals Unit and invoiced separately. 

     

    Obstruction Permits will not be issued until all additional invoices have been paid. 

     

  • Minimum Documents Required

    For every Obstruction Permit for General Works, Skip Bin & Sea Container, Filming & Drone, or Helicopter application, the below minimum documents are required:

     

    • A Diagram of Works (sample images below)
    • A Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance, for a minimum sum of $10 million.

     

    Where parking bays are affected/required, please include:

    A Parking Diagram (sample image below)

    • For all bays being used for a Skip Bin or Sea Container.
    • For all bays used for works, equipment, and deliveries, including road closures preventing the regular use of car bays in the vicinity.
    • For all bays required for work vehicle parking (no deliveries, no working from vehicle).

     

    Further documents that may be required are listed below, please refer to the other headings on this webpage for more information.


    Traffic Management Plan

    Pedestrian Management Plan

    Noise Management Plan

    Flight Path

    CASA UAV Operators Certificate

    Remote Pilots Licence

    Site Plan of Landing Zone

    Notification Letter to premises affected by works or noise

    Road Closure Advertisement for the City’s Road Closure webpage Road Closures

     

    Diagram of Works Sample 1:

    Diagram of Works Sample 2:

    Parking Diagram Sample:

  • Christmas Restricted Period

    Obstruction Permits for works within the ‘Restricted Period’ that are likely to cause congestion for road users, including pedestrians, may not be approved within ‘Restricted Streets’ unless they are deemed to be essential infrastructure and unavoidable.

     

    The Restricted Period is from the third Monday in November of the current year to the third Monday in January for the following year inclusive.

     

     

    Map of Restricted Streets



  • On street parking

    Any equipment, road closures, works, or skip bins/sea containers affecting the public’s use of an on-street parking bay will need an Obstruction Permit. You are not required to apply for parking reservations separately, they will be booked with the Permit. For WA State Body works, please reference this in your Obstruction Permit description.

    Where an ACROD bay and/or Taxi Bay is requested, it is a requirement that a replacement bay be charged in addition to the ACROD/Taxi Bay you require.

    Our on-street parking team are required to seek approval by City of Perth Parking Management for all reservations effecting Loading Zones, ACROD Bays and Taxi Bays/Ranks.

    A parking diagram is required to outline all bays required. Please include a list of all dates the parking bays will be obstructed to the public.

    Note: Processing time for a parking reservation will not commence until approval is granted by all other stakeholders during the Obstruction Permit application assessment.

    For more information and fees associated with on-street parking head to Reserve or Pay for a Street Parking Bay | City of Perth

     

  • Mall Access & Mall Deliveries 

    To ensure public safety, particularly during peak pedestrian traffic times, vehicles cannot enter either Hay Street, Murray Street or Forrest Place without prior authorisation. If you require mall access with your Obstruction Permit, you will be able to add the vehicle/s details during the application process.

    To access the mall*, vehicles must enter via the bollards using the intercom to speak directly with City Watch. If the vehicle has been registered and approved for entry City Watch will lower the bollards and allow access.

    *Conditions apply to vehicle movement and parking times within the mall, please see below for more details.

    Please note, do not apply separately for mall access if you are applying for an Obstruction Permit.


    No Vehicle Movement Times

    There is strictly no vehicular movement through the malls between the following times:

     

    MONDAY - THURSDAY 1200 - 1400 & 1700 - 1800
    FRIDAY 1200 - 1400 & 1700 - 2300
    SATURDAY 0900 - 1800
    SUNDAY 1100 - 1700

     


    Where to Access Hay Street and Murray Street Malls and Forrest Place

    Delivery access to Murray Street Mall is to be made from Forrest Place loading dock. Delivery access to Hay Street Mall is to be made from the ENEX 100 loading dock.

    Murray Street Mall

    Entrance from William St

    One Way Only

    Height restriction of 4.1m

    Hay Street Mall

    Entrance form Barrack St

    One Way Only

     


    Mall Access Times for Vehicles Parking in the Mall

    Vehicles that are required to park in the mall for maintenance, shop-fit etc.; can only do so during the following times: -

     

    MONDAY - THURSDAY 19:30 - 06:00
    FRIDAY 23:00 - 06:00
    SATURDAY 18:00 - 07:00
    SUNDAY 18:00 - 09:00

     

    Mall Access Times During the Christmas Extended Trading Hours

     

    UNTIL 31st DECEMBER,
    MONDAY - FRIDAY

    22:00 - 06:00
    SATURDAY, SUNDAY 18:00 - 07:00

     

    Authorisation must be granted prior to entry. 

    Please head to Mall Access, Deliveries and Loading Docks for further information.

  • Traffic and Pedestrian Management

    If any part of the work affects vehicular or pedestrian movement this will need City of Perth Transport Unit approval.

    A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is required for any activity on the road reserve that obstructs the passage of vehicles or the movement of any other road user. Traffic Management Plans are prepared and designed in accordance to Main Roads WA Traffic Management for Works on Roads Code of Practice and the relevant standards. The Code of Practice is available here.

    All companies engaged in Traffic Management on City of Perth roads must have current registration in the State Road Traffic Management Company Registration Scheme administered by Main Roads WA. Please refer to Main Roads WA website for further information.

    Works that will be in close proximity to traffic signals or are classed as complex as defined in Main Roads WA Code of Practice shall require Road Traffic Manager (RTM) Endorsement.

    Full footpath closures - A Pedestrian Management Plan (PMP)directing pedestrians safely around the work site, shown as minimum on a basic Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) designed by an accredited Advanced Worksite Traffic Management (AWTM) traffic manager will be required

    Processing times:

    Basic Traffic Management Plan as compliant to Main Roads WA Code of Practice and AS 1742.3

     

    Five business days minimum.

    Complex Traffic Management Plan as compliant to Main Roads WA Code of Practice and AS 1742.3 –

    Five business days minimum for the City and 15 working days for Main Roads WA.

    Applicant to obtain City’s approval prior to seeking Main Roads WA approval (refer to Temporary Traffic Management: Traffic Signal Approval Policy at Main Roads WA).

    Road closures require notification letters to premises within a 100-metre radius of works, an advert for the City’s Road Closures web page and proof of delivery of the notification letter.

    Proof of delivery can include:

    • A signed and dated delivery statement from the applicant, which includes a list of notified addresses, the method of delivery and a copy of the letter.
    • A signed and dated spreadsheet, which includes a list of notified addresses, the method of delivery and a copy of the letter.
    • A signed and dated Statutory Declaration.
  • Noise Management

    Any construction work being conducted outside of normal working hours will require a Noise Management Plan (NMP) as required by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulation 1997.

    Normal working hours are 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, excluding Public Holidays.

    Construction works include, but is not limited to: 

    The construction, erection, delivery, installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, cleaning, painting, renewal, removal, excavation, dismantling or demolition of any building or structure.

     

    Out of normal hours works require the following:

    1. A Noise Management Plan (NMP)
    2. A notification letter to affected premises within a 100m radius of the works
    3. Proof of delivery of the above notification letter.

    Proof of delivery can include:

    • A signed and dated delivery statement from the applicant, which includes a list of notified addresses and the method of delivery.
    • A signed and dated spreadsheet, which includes a list of notified addresses and the method of delivery.
    • A signed and dated Statutory Declaration, which includes a list of notified addresses and the method of delivery.
  • Parks & Gardens

    Works that will affect any garden beds, trees, shrubs, flora, and reserves within the City of Perth will require an Obstruction Permit

    Mark up a map/plan of work area that includes all items listed in the definition above and also provides a mitigation strategy for damage that may be incurred during the course of activities applied for.

    Documents required with the application:

    • Site plan of work area.
    • A Pedestrian Management Plan (PMP) which shows how you will maintain clear, safe passage for pedestrians.
    • A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) - if you are planning partial or full road closure.

    Current public liability insurance for a minimum sum of $10 million.

  • Skip Bins & Sea Containers

    A permit is required to place a skip bin or sea container on a road or on a verge. 

     

    Where there are parking bays available, skip bins and sea containers will be approved to be placed in a bay firstly, other locations may be considered on application. If the skip bin/container is there for more than 24 hours, a pedestrian management plan may be required, please see below.

     

    When submitting an application with the City, please include the following:

    • A Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance, for a minimum sum of $10 million.
    • Information or a diagram showing which parking bay/s will be used for the skip bin/container placement.
    • Pedestrian Management Plan (PMP) showing reflective tape and barriers around the obstruction. Please note, 1.5m pedestrian clearance is required for any obstruction on a footpath.

     

    There will also be additional fees for the parking bay/s booking. For more information, please see Reserve or pay for a street parking bay.

     

    *Please note: This permit does not include the skip bin or sea container. 
    Separate arrangements will need to be made. 

  • Filming & Drones

    Some locations within the City of Perth are privately managed, for filming or drone use within these locations’ permission must be sought from the relevant authority. Below is a non-exhaustive list of privately managed locations within the City of Perth, if you wish to film or use a drone at these locations, please contact them directly.

    Privately Managed Property - City of Perth

     


     

    Drones

     

    The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates flying of drones and other Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in Australia.

     

    The City of Perth regulates the launching and landing of these aircraft from Council land.

     

    When submitting your application with the City, please include the following information:

    • A copy of the Drone Operators Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
    • Proposed 30m Safety Exclusion Zone and the use and positioning of signage.
    • The Operator’s Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance, for a minimum sum of $10 million.
    • A Pedestrian and/or Traffic Management Plan (when drone operations or safety exclusion zone(s) impact City footpaths or road reserves). Refer to the Traffic and Pedestrian Management heading above.

     

    The operator must adhere to the standard safety rules as defined by CASA, for a full list of rules, head to Know Your Drone | Civil Aviation Safety Authority (casa.gov.au)

     


     

    Filming

     

    A Filming and Drone Application is required when you have a filming/photography group of five or more (including cast and crew).

     

    When submitting your application with the City, please include the following information:

    • A filming schedule with work site layout
    • A Pedestrian and/or Traffic Management Plan (when filming impacts City footpaths or road reserves). Refer to the Traffic and Pedestrian Management heading above.
    • A Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance, for a minimum sum of $10 million.

     

    Wedding Photography is not covered by this permit, please apply for Wedding Photography at Weddings in the City | City of Perth


     

  • Helicopter Landings

    The City of Perth will consider Helicopter Landings, for tourism and promotional purposes, on application. It is encouraged that Langley Park is the best place for landings, however other locations may be considered. 

     

    Langley Park | City of Perth

     

    A minimum 30m Safety Exclusion Zone is to be maintained, to safely manage members of the public using the area around the landing site.

     

    When submitting a Helicopter Landing Application, you must include:  

    • A Traffic Management Plan/Site Plan, which details the location of the take-off/landing zone, ground crew, distances and pedestrian management, to ensure public safety at all times.
    •  A Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance, for a minimum sum of $10 million.

     

    It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure they hold all appropriate approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Civil Aviation Safety Authority (casa.gov.au)

     

    Flying over the Derbarl Yerrigan / Swan River, you must also seek permission from
    Swan River Trust | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (dbca.wa.gov.au)

     

    Helicopter Fees & Charges are $99 for the Standard Application Fee, plus $200 per landing.