Apply for an asset protection permit

Important information

• Please contact the Asset Protection team on 1300 787 624 for more information regarding permits involving multiple dwelling developments, such as units and town houses.
• Please note that you can only apply for an asset protection permit when the title for the property has been released and a Council property number has been assigned to the property.  
• We cannot process your application or issue a permit unless the property has a Council property number.

Do I need a permit?

You need to have an asset protection permit if you are going to: 

• start any construction activity, including scraping, clearing of the block, building works or demolition works on the property, or
• have construction materials or equipment delivered to the property.

The permit is required in accordance with Local Law 17 (section 67).

A permit must be issued before works start. Fines will be issued to a builder or owner if building starts on the property without an asset protection permit.

If any construction activity starts without the permit, we will assume the assets were undamaged before works started and you will be held liable to repair any damages we find during any inspection.

Permits for multiple dwellings

Please contact us for more information regarding the application process for asset protection permits involving multiple dwelling developments such as units and town houses.

Application fee and security bond

The asset protection permit application fee and bond must both be paid and your permit issued before works start. 

Application fee (2023-24): $326.00 (non-refundable). This fee covers administration and site inspection costs.

Security bond: $1190.00 (for both residential and industrial). 

How to pay

Applying and paying for your permit application online is the quickest and easiest way.

Online: Complete the online form and pay at the same time.

By phone: (If you submit a printed form by post or email). Call our Customer Service team on 1300 787 624 to pay over the phone by credit card. 

In person: (If you submit a printed form by post or email). At our Customer Service Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer.
 

What you need to provide with your application

1. Council property number 

To apply for an asset protection permit, the property needs to have a Council property number. This is issued after title has been released. We cannot process your application without this number.

Before you start filling out the application form, look for the property number on the property's rates notice, or find it online using the instructions on the How to find a Council property number page.

2. Clear, colour photos

These need to show the current condition of all Council assets associated with the property, as well photos identifying any existing damage to Council assets. Pre-existing Council assets may include footpaths, crossovers, pits, gutters, nature strips, kerbs and channels. 

3. Proof of public liability insurance

We require all applicants to supply proof of $20,000,000 Public Liability Insurance. This must be submitted prior to the Asset Protection Permit being issued. In the case of owner applicants please contact your builder for proof of their insurance to submit to us.

Apply

For single dwelling applications, applying online for your asset protection permit is the best way. This is because you are required to supply photos of the drain, nature strip, kerb, channel, footpath and vehicle crossing (driveway entrance) outside the property with your application so we can see what condition they are in before works start. By applying online, you can simply attach digital photos to the online form. 

Estimated application process times

Asset protection permits can take up to 28 days to be issued. Please ensure you submit your application at least 4 weeks before the start of construction.

Apply online for an asset protection permit 

Print an asset protection permit application form

Permit conditions

Once you receive the permit, read it carefully as you will need to comply with any permit conditions.

Random site inspections

We may inspect your building site at any time during works.  

What you need to do when building is complete

Before you apply for your bond refund and in order for us to inspect the site, you must:

• clear the road reserve, nature strip, footpaths and vehicle crossing of all building materials and debris, including skip bins.
• clear all mud and dirt off all Council or other assets
• repair any nature strip damage and level with top soil and grass seed.

Request bond refund after completion of works

Once works are finished, apply online for your security bond refund. We will inspect the assets.

Asset Protection Inspections can take up to 28 days to be completed.

• If no damage has occurred: we will refund your bond. 
• If damage has occurred: we will request repairs. Once these have been completed to our satisfaction, the bond can be refunded. Please note a bond refund can take up to 28 days to be processed after approval.

Request refund of security bond online

Ask to extend your permit

An asset protection permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. To ask to extend it, email us at mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Who to contact for help

For advice on asset protection permits or to get help with your application contact our Asset Protection team on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au