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Civil Design, Public Domain and Driveways

What is the public domain?

The public domain refers to all public spaces managed by the local council, including roads, kerbs, gutters, footpaths, street trees, nature strips, and associated infrastructure. A Public Domain Plan is a Construction Certificate (CC)-level drawing based on an accurate survey, clearly identifying existing and proposed works. It shows which elements are to be retained, removed, protected, or replaced—ensuring all upgrades comply with council Development Control Plan (DCP) requirements and Australian Standards

These plans typically include:

  • Overall layout plans
  • Cross-sections and longitudinal sections
  • Kerb return and footpath ramp designs
  • Typical details

A driveway long section is a critical engineering drawing that represents the driveway’s longitudinal profile, including elevations, gradients, and clearance checks in accordance with AS2890.1. This ensures safe and functional vehicle access, compliant with local council and national regulations.

 

 

 

Loka Consulting Engineers: Specialists in Civil Design and Public Domain

Loka Consulting Engineers specialises in civil design, public domain and driveway service. We provide detailed plans that illustrate the longitudinal profile of driveways, ensuring compliance with council Development Control Plan (DCP) requirements and Australian standards

Our service for civil design,public domain and driveways includes:

Loka Consulting Engineers delivers end-to-end civil engineering design services for Development Applications (DA), Construction Certificates (CC), and Complying Development Certificates (CDC). Our services include:

    • Detailed design of street works, drainage, grading, kerbs and gutters
    • Design of footpaths, kerb ramps, intersections, and driveways
    • Coordination with utility providers and sustainable stormwater systems
    • Compliance with local DCPs, Australian Standards, and relevant council policies

    We provide the engineering leadership, technical precision, and practical insight needed to streamline your

     

    construction management plan

    FAQ Section

    Do I need approval to construct or modify a driveway in NSW?

    In NSW, constructing, repairing or modifying a driveway or vehicle crossing generally requires approval from the relevant roads authority. Depending on the location, this may be the local council or Transport for NSW. Driveway approval is separate from a Development Application, Construction Certificate or Complying Development Certificate.

     What information is required to prepare a Public Domain Plan?

    A Public Domain Plan is generally prepared using an accurate site survey together with the proposed architectural and civil design information. Depending on the project, the documentation may need to show existing and proposed levels, footpaths, kerbs and gutters, drainage, vehicle crossings, pedestrian ramps, street trees, landscaping and other public-domain elements.

    What happens if the existing street levels do not work with the proposed driveway?

    Where existing road, kerb, footpath or property levels create difficulties for the proposed driveway, the levels and longitudinal profile need to be carefully assessed. Design adjustments may be required to achieve a functional connection while maintaining appropriate drainage, pedestrian access and compliance with applicable council requirements and standards.

    Expert Witness

    We have acted as an Expert Witness on civil design, public domain and driveways service matters for the Land and Environment Court on multiple occasions. 

    We have provided civil design plan for projects to the following Councils: 

    Ashfield Council, Auburn Council, Bayside Council, Blacktown Council, Bankstown Council, Burwood Council, Byron Shire Council , Blue Mountains Council, Camden Council, Campbelltown Council, City of Canada Bay Council, Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Central Coast Council,City of Botany Bay Council, City of Ryde, City of Sydney Council, Fairfield Council, Georges River Council, Gosford Council, Hills Shire Council, Holroyd Council, Hornsby Council, Hurstville Council,Hunters Hill Council, Kiama Council, Kogarah Council, Ku-ring-gai Council,Lake Macquarie Council , Lane Cove Council, Leichhardt Council, Lithgow,Liverpool Council, Manly Council, Marrickville Council, Mosman Council, North Sydney Council, Orange Council ,Parramatta Council, Penrith City Council, Pittwater Council, Randwick Council, Rockdale Council, Ryde Council , Strathfield Council, Sutherlandshire Council, Sydney Council , Warringah Council, Waverley Council, Willoughby Council, Wollondilly Council,Wollongong Council,Woollahra Council , Wyong Shire to name a few.

    At Loka, we are dedicated to providing civil desin, public domain and driveway services that empower our clients to make informed decisions and achieve their development objectives. We look forward to partnering with you to achieve your goals.

    How we help our clients:

    At Loka Consulting Engineers, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of multi-national businesses, from builders to international aid agencies, including:

    Contractors | Architects | Developers | Government

    Our commitment remains unwavering, we craft solutions that transcend mere functionality across Australia, ensuring sustainable infrastructure and pioneering environmental innovations.

    Capabilities Statement

    Download a copy of our Capabilities Statement