Concrete Driveway Standards

About Concrete Driveway Standards

Brisbane City Council requires proposed driveways to comply with a number of technical standards prior to driveway permit approval. The standard drawings set out recommended gradients for building a driveway, as well as driveway load requirements and materials.

Concrete surfaces

The driveway must meet the following requirements.

• The N25 strength must be in accordance with AS1379 and AS3600.

• Expansion joints must be 10 millimetres thick, full depth, closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam (85-150 kg/m³).

• The slab must be 125 millimetres thick.

• Preferred surface finishes are stencilled concrete or broom finished concrete.

Concrete Driveway Permits

Driveway permits

If you are going to build, repair or modify a driveway you must have a driveway permit to cross the footway. Before issuing a permit, Brisbane City Council will assess your proposal against the relevant requirements and guidelines. Your driveway must be:

• a solid, non-slip material such as concrete, asphalt or pavers. You cannot use materials such as tiles, gravel and bluestone

• the same level as the footpath

• within permitted gradients

• clear of stormwater pits

• clear of street trees

• constructed in accordance with Council’s technical standards.

Residential driveway permits

A permit is needed before you build, repair or modify a driveway for a single detached house. Find out when you can apply for a self-assessable permit and when you need to apply for full assessment.

Commercial concrete driveways

A commercial concrete driveway provides car access for premises other than a single detached house. A permit is needed before you build, repair or modify a commercial driveway.

Driveway technical standards

Proposed driveways must comply with several technical standards prior to approval.

Constructing driveways and street trees

When constructing a concrete driveway, you must consider any impacts the driveway may have on street trees, as well what impacts the tree may have on your new driveway.

Other driveway approvals

Your driveway project may involve work that must be carried out or approved by Council or other organisations.

Definitions of driveway terms

Definitions and examples of different types of driveways and terminology including culvert, crossing and swale.