Questions & Answers

How close can a driveway be to a street tree, utility pole or intersection?

ACT driveway standards prescribe minimum clearances from street trees, utility infrastructure and intersections. For a dual-occupancy driveway, the location should be checked against these clearances before the access is finalised.

  • Existing mature street tree: the driveway must be outside the greater of the tree's canopy drip line or the minimum offset specified in MIS 07. In some circumstances, works within the canopy drip line may be considered where they remain outside the Structural Root Zone and appropriate tree-protection measures are demonstrated.
  • New or small street tree: the required clearance is determined under MIS 07, Section 2.2.3, based on the applicable tree requirements.
  • Power pole, streetlight column, mini-pillar or padmount substation: at least 1.5 m from the outside edge of the asset to the edge of the driveway.
  • Ground-level services such as pits and manholes: generally at least 1.2 m clear, although MIS 07 contains asset-specific requirements.
  • Intersection: for a block at an intersection, City Services requires the driveway to be at least 6 m clear of the tangent point.

The driveway must also maintain appropriate sightlines to oncoming traffic, taking into account street trees and other structures or obstructions.

Reference: Municipal Infrastructure Standard 07 (MIS 07) Driveways, Edition 1 Revision 2 – Sections 2.1.2 and 2.2.3, Tables 7-1 and associated tree-clearance tables – Municipal Infrastructure Standard 07 Driveways (Edition 1 Revision 2)

Last reviewed: 27 August 2026 Information current as at: 1 September 2026

Short Answer

Minimum clearances apply. A driveway generally needs to be at least 1.5 m from power poles and similar above-ground services and 6 m from the tangent point on an intersection block. For mature street trees, it must be outside the greater of the canopy drip line or the applicable MIS 07 minimum tree clearance.

Detailed Explanation

Driveways and vehicle crossings must maintain the minimum clearances prescribed by MIS 07. Section 2.1.2 requires driveways and vehicle crossings to be located clear of assets and structures in accordance with Table 7-1.

For relevant common constraints, this includes 1.5 m from a power pole, streetlight column, mini-pillar or padmount substation. Existing mature street trees require clearance outside the greater of the canopy drip line or the applicable minimum offset under MIS 07. For intersection blocks, City Services specifies a minimum 6 m clearance from the tangent point.

The proposal must also demonstrate appropriate vehicle sightlines in accordance with the applicable parking/access standards.

Key Point

No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.

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