Verges and crossovers play an important role in creating safe, cool, green spaces for our communities, providing habitat for our local wildlife and improving streetscape amenities in the City of Joondalup.
Residents with verges are encouraged to install low water use plants, ground covers, edible plants (vegetables and herbs), lawns and landscape treatments on their verge.
Important note: Loose materials including pea gravel, is not permitted as it creates a safety hazard for pedestrians and can easily migrate to footpaths and roads, becoming a hazard for cyclists and other vehicles. Verge treatments are regulated by the City’s local laws.
Street verge
It is the road reserve area between the road kerb and property boundary. The verge is owned by the Crown and managed by the City. General upkeep and maintenance of lawns or garden areas in the verge is undertaken by the adjoining residents. Street trees and footpaths are maintained by the City
Crossover
It is an extension of a driveway from the edge of the property boundary to the road and provides access for vehicles across the verge to the road.
There are different requirements for residential crossovers based on a single property, grouped and multiple dwellings and whether a property is located in a Housing Opportunity Area.
Verge and crossover guidelines
Street verge requirements
For guidelines about the use of the verge area adjoining a property and obligations in relation to installing and maintaining improvements on your verge, please view the Street Verge Guidelines (see below).
Crossover specifications
The specifications on crossovers, dimensions, permitted materials and existing infrastructure such as footpaths or kerb ramps, are outlined in the Crossover Guidelines (see below).
Residents can obtain a subsidy payment from the City for a standard crossover if it conforms to the requirements detailed in the Crossover Guidelines above.
How to apply for the residential crossover subsidy
- Download and complete the Request for Subsidy Payment for First/Replacement Vehicle Crossing Form (PDF) within six months of construction of a crossover to obtain the subsidy.
- Return the completed form via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.
The City encourages soft landscape verge treatments, including waterwise native plants and mulch. Waterwise verge gardens can:
- Save water in the garden.
- Require little maintenance, with occasional weeding, pruning, mulching and hand watering.
- Create green liveable communities and streetscapes.
- Contribute to healthy drainage.
- Create a cooling effect and counteract the urban heat island effect.
- Provide a habitat for local wildlife and promote biodiversity.
Visit a waterwise verge garden
You can view a demonstration waterwise verge garden at the following locations:
- Carina Loop, Ocean Reef
- Currambine Community Centre, Currambine
- Duncraig Library, Duncraig.
- City of Joondalup Administration Building, Joondalup.
Tips and resources
- Search Water Corporations directory’s for waterwise plants, waterwise specialists and waterwise products.
- Use our planting for success guide to help you get started.
- Get free mulch from the City using mulch vouchers or from Mulchnet. We recommend only using eucalyptus prunings from Mulchnet due to Polyphagous shot-hole borer risk with non-native mulch.
- Apply for a free street tree to provide shade, habitat and cool your verge.
- Visit our Sustainable gardening page to learn more about native plants suitable for your garden.
Advertising of a vehicle for sale on any part of a road or verge is not permitted and infringements may be issued.