Permissions & Approvals

Prior Approval of Work

If you are planning work on or near a road in Wellington, you must get prior approval from the Road Controller when:

• a trench, or series of holes, may extend more than 20 metres along the road
• a traffic lane on a main road may be closed
• a road may by closed for more than two minutes
• work is proposed on the carriageway of the State Highway route
• work may affect a road structure such as a bridge, tunnel, or retaining wall
• a private underground utility is to be laid other than private connections to a utility network
• a financial contribution is sought for the reinstatement of the road
• work needs to be done outside of normal work hours
• an above ground structure is installed where prior approval is required
• an excavation under the canopy of a tree
• a variation from the requirements of the Code of Practice is wanted.

Code of Practice - Working on the Road

You must apply for approval at least 15 working days before roadworks begin.

In an emergency situation that falls into one of the above categories, the work may start without approval but the Road Controller must be advised immediately.

Road Work Notices

You must obtain a 'Road Work Notice' at least one working day before work starts in the following situations (except emergencies):

• excavation work of any sort (including drilling)
• work is being carried out in another party's excavation unless that party has a Road Work Notice and that party agrees to cover the work with their Road Work Notice
• where damage is caused to the road
• a new pavement surface is to be laid
• any other work where a traffic lane is to be blocked and traffic is delayed or likely to be delayed more than two minutes.

Notices can be obtained from Council service centres. Fees apply. See the Code of Practice for more information.

Code of Practice - Working on the Road

Road & Footpath Closures

Any organisation, business or individual planning an activity requiring closure of a vehicle lane, parking area or footpath needs permission from the Council. This could apply to:

• an event, protest or parade that affects vehicle or pedestrian traffic
• temporary construction loading zones
• crane lifting equipment
• scaffolding

To start the permissions process, you can complete the online Road Closure Request form below or contact the Applications Processing Officer - phone (04) 801 3880.

The time to process closures varies according to the complexity of the closure. In some cases this may include requirements for consultation and approval.

Road Closure Request

Once a request is received the application is reviewed. The applicant will be advised of any further requirements such as:

• consultation
• traffic and pedestrian management plans
• emergency management plans
• risk management issues
• health and safety
• public liability insurance

Skip Bins and Containers

Skip bins and containers should be placed on the hirer's property wherever possible. If you need to place a skip or container on the road or footpath, the Council must be notified two working days in advance for skips and two weeks in advance for containers. A licence may also be required.

Skip Bin and Container Notification and Guidelines (44Kb PDF)

More Information

Street Activities Officer

Oversized Loads

To obtain permits for oversize loads, refer to the following:

Overdimension Vehicles and Loads - NZ Transport Agency website

Any loads 4.6 metres or higher which need to travel under a trolley bus wire will require an escort. Escorts can be arranged by contacting:

Rex Hurley
Transfield Services Limited
Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm:

To check where the trolley bus wire network is located, contact Wellington Cable Car Limited for a location diagram - phone (04) 473 2708.

Overweight Loads

To obtain permission for an overweight load, complete the NZ Transport Agency's Overweight Permit Application. Fax a copy to the Applications Processing Officer - fax (04) 801 3018.

Overweight Permit Manual - NZ Transport Agency website

More Information

Applications Processing Officer

Related Links

• Road Closure Request
• Transit New Zealand website

Department Details:
Transport Group