The verge is the area of public land located between a street kerb line and the boundary of an adjoining property.
Verges play a significant role in our community by establishing an area for street trees, lawns and gardens which soften the landscape. Verges present an opportunity to establish Waterwise gardens and increase native flora across the City for local wildlife. They also accommodate overhead and underground utilities such as power, water, gas and communications infrastructure.
The City acknowledges the care that residents take in maintaining verges, which improves the overall appearance of the street and their properties. The City's street trees however must not be interfered with under any circumstances.
Verge permit
A verge permit is required for any building or demolition work on the adjacent property regardless of material being stored on the verge.
The permit enables the City to monitor the use of the verge, minimising the damage and disruption to the surrounding area.
Apply for a verge permit
There are no fees associated with a verge permit. However, there are costs associated with verge inspections before and after any works as well as the payment of a refundable bond.
| Work undertaken | Total inspection fee | Refundable bond |
|---|
| All demolition, building works, swimming pool installations, front fences, retaining walls, no street tree | $200 | $1,000 |
| All demolition, building works, swimming pool installations, front fences, retaining walls and largest street tree* with a diameter breast height 100mm or less | $200 | $2,000 |
| All demolition, building works, swimming pool installations, front fences, retaining walls and largest street tree* with a diameter breast height 101mm or larger. | $200 | $4,000 |
* Please note if there are multiple street trees the bond amount will be based on the largest tree, no extra cost for additional trees.
Verge bond refund
When all works are completely finished and you wish to request your bond(s) back please complete the on-line form.
Apply for a verge/street tree bond refund
Once the refund request has been received a City officer will undertake a post-inspection. Any new damage noted at the post-inspection will need to be rectified before the bond will be refunded.
If the repairs are undertaken by the City the bond lodged will be applied towards any costs and if insufficient will be pursued as a debt.
When approved for refund bond monies are returned via electronic funds transfer. Additional information about this process can be found on the verge bond refund form.
Sustainable verge program
*All places for the 2023 year program have now been filled.
The annual Sustainable Verge program is for residents transforming their verges over autumn/winter 2023. Each applicant will receive the following support to create a native, waterwise verge garden and 175 places* will be available on a first come, first served basis:
- $140 mulch voucher
- 20 WA-native waterwise plants
- Sustainable Verge Makeover Guide.
Head to the Living Green page for further information.