Apply for an asset protection permit

Important information

• 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. We cannot process your application or issue a permit unless the property has a Council property number.
• Nature strips, roads, footpaths, crossovers, and any other Council assets present are required to be cleaned and cleared to remove potential pedestrian hazards, prior to requesting a refund on your Bond.
• Apply for an Asset Protection Permit at least 4 weeks prior to construction commences, as our processes can take up to 28 days.
• You must apply for the Bond refund within 7 days of completion of the works. 

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, construction and installation of a swimming pool, demolition works on the property, or
• have construction materials or equipment delivered to the property.

The permit is required in accordance with Community Local Law 2024 (section 70).

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 presume the assets were undamaged before works commenced and you will be held liable to repair any damages.

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 (2024-25): $365.00 (not refundable). This fee covers administration and site inspection costs.

Security bond: $1230.00 (for both residential and industrial). 

How to apply and pay

Using our online form is the easiest way to apply, as it helps: 

• send the required photos
• make payment per the online form.

Apply online for an asset protection permit

A downloadable form is available to complete for applications sent via email, post, phone and in-person. You will also need to arrange payment with our Customer Support team (in-person or via phone ) if you apply via email or post.

When to apply

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.
 

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.

2. Clear, colour photos

These need to show the current condition of all Council assets associated with the property.

It is important the photos clearly show any existing damage to Council assets. Before photos are taken - make sure all Council assets are clear of visual obstructions such as grass, dirt, etc, so that any damage is visible.

Council assets to be included:

• footpaths
• vehicle crossings
• pits
• drains
• nature strips
• kerbs and channels
• landscaping.

3. Proof of public liability insurance

We require all applicants to supply an updated Certificate of Currency providing coverage of a minimum $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.

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

You must apply for the Bond refund within 7 days of completion of the works.

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

• clear the road reserve, footpaths and vehicle crossing of all building materials and debris, including skip bins.
• clear all mud and dirt off all Council or other assets, so that Council can properly inspect for any damage
• The nature strip must completely cleaned of any excess soil, concrete waste, crushed rock or any other waste material, then levelled with topsoil and grass seed, or instant turf.      

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 security bond can be refunded. Please note an asset protection security 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 request an extension please email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or call 1300 787 624.

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