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Utility works on Council land

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How to notify Council and obtain approvals before starting utility works on Council land or within the local road corridor.

What is a Land Access and Activity Notice

A Land Access and Activity Notice (LAAN) is required for utility works conducted on Council land or within the local road corridor.

The LAAN process allows utility providers to notify Council and request approvals to carry out works or install infrastructure.

Depending on your works, the LAAN process may involve requesting endorsement of works or plans, notifying Council of scheduled or emergency works, and confirming completion once works are finished.

Before you get started

Council land and State-controlled roads

The LAAN process applies only to Council land.

If your works are within a State-controlled road, approvals must be obtained from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Traffic and road access

If your works affect traffic, pedestrian movement or public access, you must also obtain a Temporary Road Closure permit.

Submitting a LAAN does not remove the requirement to obtain traffic-related approvals before starting works.

Emergency works

Emergency works may be carried out immediately where required to protect public safety, restore essential services or prevent damage.

You must notify Council of emergency works by submitting a Notification of emergency works via a LAAN as soon as practicable.

As part of the notification, you will be required to provide:

  • a description of the emergency works (what, where and why)
  • whether works have already been completed
  • the date works were completed, or an estimated timeframe for completion and reinstatement

Emergency works do not remove the requirement to reinstate Council land to the required standard.

How the LAAN process works

1 Identify the type of works

Determine whether your proposal involves:

Utility works designed and constructed in accordance with Council's standard alignments as set out in Brisbane Standard Drawings.

Designing to standard alignments:

  • reduces conflicts with existing and future services
  • minimises disruption to the community
  • protects Council infrastructure
  • supports faster assessment.

Works proposed outside of Council’s standard alignment as set out in Brisbane Standard Drawings requires Council endorsement of the proposed design before the notification of scheduled works can be submitted.

This allows Council to:

  • assess how the proposed alignment interacts with existing and future utilities
  • manage risks to Council assets and public safety
  • confirm that the alternative alignment is appropriate for the location.

Once we have endorsed the non‑standard alignment, you can submit a LAAN for the notification of scheduled works.

information outline

Note

Endorsement of a non-standard alignment plan does not remove the requirement to submit a LAAN prior to starting works.

2 Submit a Land Access Activity Notice (LAAN)

Submit your LAAN via our online form.

You can use the form to:

  • request endorsement of non-standard alignment work or plans
  • notify Council of scheduled works (once plans are endorsed or where works are in accordance with Council's standard alignment)
  • notify emergency works (as soon as practicable)
  • notify completion of works.
3 Council review and outcome

Council reviews your submitted LAAN and may consider:

  • alignment or location conflicts
  • timing or scheduling conflicts
  • any specific conditions that need to apply
  • whether other utilities need to be consulted.

Based on the review, type of works and relevant legislation, we will issue an outcome which may include:

  • endorsement of non-standard alignment plans
  • no objection or conditional no objection
  • conditional approval
  • agreement
  • objection (where required and within legislative limits).

Other permits or approvals may also be required outside of the LAAN process. We will advise if additional approvals are needed before works can commence.

4 Works completed

Once works are complete and the affected area has been reinstated, you must submit a Declaration of completion through the LAAN form.

A declaration can only be lodged when:

  • all works have finished
  • reinstatement of land has been completed.
information outline

Note

Before and after photos of the affected area will be required to complete your Declaration of completion.

How to apply

Before starting your application, check what information is required for the types of LAAN.

This will help you determine which LAAN to submit and to prepare the appropriate details.

information outline

Note

Depending on your works, you may need to lodge more than one type of LAAN during your project.

You will need the following information:

  • a detailed design plan prepared by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ)
  • drawings showing the proposed non-standard alignment
  • information about any Council or third party assets affected
  • written consent from affected parties, where applicable.

You will need the following information:

  • the type of utility works being carried out
  • the location of works (selected via a map)
  • whether works involve construction, alteration, maintenance or removal of infrastructure
  • whether works are within Council’s standard utility alignment
  • whether excavation is required
  • the proposed start date and end date of works
  • the estimated duration of works.

If works affect traffic, pedestrian access or public access, additional permits may be required.

information outline

Note

Emergency works may be undertaken immediately, but Council must be notified as soon as practicable.

You will need the following information:

  • a description of the emergency works (what, where and why)
  • whether works have already been completed
  • the completion date or estimated timeframe for reinstatement
  • photographs showing reinstatement, if works are complete.

Only lodge a declaration once all works and reinstatement are complete.

You will need to:

  • confirm the date works were completed
  • acknowledge reinstatement was completed in accordance with Council requirements
  • upload before and after photographs of the site.

If works are not complete, the form will not allow you to submit a declaration.

Submit your application once you have prepared the required information for your proposed works.

Apply now