Verges and crossovers play an important role in creating safe, cool, green spaces for our communities, providing habitat for our local wildlife and improving streetscape amenities in the City of Joondalup.
Residents with verges are encouraged to install low water use plants, ground covers, edible plants (vegetables and herbs), lawns and landscape treatments on their verge.
Important note: Loose materials including pea gravel, is not permitted as it creates a safety hazard for pedestrians and can easily migrate to footpaths and roads, becoming a hazard for cyclists and other vehicles. Verge treatments are regulated by the City’s local laws.
Street verge
It is the road reserve area between the road kerb and property boundary. The verge is owned by the Crown and managed by the City. General upkeep and maintenance of lawns or garden areas in the verge is undertaken by the adjoining residents. Street trees and footpaths are maintained by the City
Crossover
It is an extension of a driveway from the edge of the property boundary to the road and provides access for vehicles across the verge to the road.
There are different requirements for residential crossovers based on a single property, grouped and multiple dwellings and whether a property is located in a Housing Opportunity Area.
Verge and crossover guidelines
Street verge requirements
For guidelines about the use of the verge area adjoining a property and obligations in relation to installing and maintaining improvements on your verge, please view the Street Verge Guidelines (see below).
Crossover specifications
The specifications on crossovers, dimensions, permitted materials and existing infrastructure such as footpaths or kerb ramps, are outlined in the Crossover Guidelines (see below).
Residents can obtain a subsidy payment from the City for a standard crossover if it conforms to the requirements detailed in the Crossover Guidelines above.
How to apply for the residential crossover subsidy
- Download and complete the Request for Subsidy Payment for First/Replacement Vehicle Crossing Form (PDF) within six months of construction of a crossover to obtain the subsidy.
- Return the completed form via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.
The City encourages soft landscape verge treatments, including waterwise native plants and mulch. Waterwise verge gardens can:
- Save water in the garden.
- Require little maintenance, with occasional weeding, pruning, mulching and hand watering.
- Create green liveable communities and streetscapes.
- Contribute to healthy drainage.
- Create a cooling effect and counteract the urban heat island effect.
- Provide a habitat for local wildlife and promote biodiversity.
Visit a waterwise verge garden
You can view a demonstration waterwise verge garden at the following locations:
- Carina Loop, Ocean Reef
- Currambine Community Centre, Currambine
- Duncraig Library, Duncraig.
- City of Joondalup Administration Building, Joondalup.
Tips and resources
- Search Water Corporations directory’s for waterwise plants, waterwise specialists and waterwise products.
- Use our planting for success guide to help you get started.
- Get free mulch from the City using mulch vouchers or from Mulchnet. We recommend only using eucalyptus prunings from Mulchnet due to Polyphagous shot-hole borer risk with non-native mulch.
- Apply for a free street tree to provide shade, habitat and cool your verge.
- Visit our Sustainable gardening page to learn more about native plants suitable for your garden.
Advertising of a vehicle for sale on any part of a road or verge is not permitted and infringements may be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions - Crossovers
Maintenance of the crossover is the responsibility of the property owner. While the crossover exists within the road reserve (which belongs to the City) it provides access to the home and therefore the infrastructure belongs to the property owner.
No. The City of Joondalup does not require an application to modify an existing crossover. However, all changes (for example, material, width, wing design) must comply with the City’s Crossover Guidelines.
Property owners may submit a plan or sketch via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au to confirm compliance or seek technical advice. Assessments take 10–15 working days.
If the proposed crossover varies from the standard guidelines, approval from the City’s Planning Services is required. Contact Planning Services on 9400 4000 for more information.
The maximum width of the Crossover is 6 metres.
No. The City does not have a preferred list of contractors. Residents can hire a contractor of their choice to carry out the crossover works, provided they comply with the City’s Crossover Guidelines.
Maximum of two crossovers is permitted on the basis that the combined width of both crossovers is no wider than 9 metres. There needs to be a clear separation between the two crossovers to clearly differentiate the primary and secondary crossover.
The property owner is responsible for liaising with the asset owner to discuss service relocation and is responsible for all related costs.
A mountable kerb or crossover apron kerb must separate the crossover from the road.
Only grey pre-mix concrete is permitted—no exposed aggregate or coloured concrete.
Request kerb standard drawing specifications by contacting the City.
Kerb replacement is carried out by the City in conjunction with the City’s Road Preservation and Resurfacing Program, which sits under the Five-Year Capital Works Program. Only if the kerb is displaced or a hazard will it be replaced.
Requests from residents and developers regarding replacing or altering a kerb profile, as part of the upgrade to a crossover are made via online form.
Important note: A replacement kerb is carried out by the City at the owner’s expense.
No. The City does not allow a kerb to be removed, and a crossover poured up to the road pavement edge.
Footpaths are required to be constructed in grey concrete in accordance with the City’s specifications and match to the existing footpath network.
Footpath replacement is carried out by the City in accordance with the Footpath Replacement Program, which sits under the Five-Year Capital Works Program.
However, requests from residents and developers relating to replacing a damaged footpath/modifications as part of crossover upgrades are submitted via online form.
Important note: The footpath modification is carried out by the City at the owner’s expense.
No. In instances where a footpath is present in the verge adjacent to a property, the footpath is required to run continuous through the crossover. This applies for all materials used to install the crossover.
No. Some existing crossovers may have been built before 2019 or without following current guidelines.
The City regularly inspects for non-compliant crossovers. If found, property owners will receive a notice to rectify the crossover to meet current standards. Failure to comply may result in an infringement.
Important note: Kerbs or footpaths removed without approval will be reinstated by the City at the owner's expense.
The City will make a one-off payment of $375 towards the construction of a crossover provided the crossover is installed in accordance with the City’s Crossover guidelines. The subsidy relates to the first crossover to service the property or an old bitumen crossover that was due for replacement.
Important note: The City will not provide a subsidy towards the construction of a second crossover on the same lot.
For standard (non-corner) properties the maximum area permitted for a hardstand surface is 75 metres square or 50% of the verge area (whichever is the lesser) exclusive of any existing footpaths and crossovers.
Section 2.3 of the Crossover guidelines suggests splay sizes, but they can be adjusted. The City typically recommends 1.0m x 1.5m splays on both sides, without encroaching on neighbouring verges.
No, the City does not allow verge embayment.
Advice can be provided by contacting the City.