A Road Reserve Consent (RRC) is a consent for the 'occupation' of permanent structures within Council's road reserve and is initially approved as part of a Development Application (DA).

The RRC is required before a DA Construction Certificate can be issued and, once approved, recognises that the permanent structure will continue to "occupy” Council's land.

Road Reserve Consent applications are currently only for former Manly Council locations until a Northern Beaches Roads Policy is adopted.

When certain structures will not fit on the owner's land, for example, an elevated/suspended driveway, part of a carport/garage, front wall or inclinator, there is sometimes no alternative other than to use Council land to accommodate the whole or part of that structure.

A Road Reserve Consent (RRC) recognises that the structure/s will permanently “occupy” Council land. Similar to a Development Application, a RRC approval stays with the registered owner when the property changes hands/is sold.

Road Reserve Leases are more “temporary” approvals in nature (generally only for five years at a time). They are documented directly to the owner (e.g. Mr & Mrs Smith) and when the adjoining property is sold they are required to have the lease reassigned to any new owner.

As the benefit of the permanent retaining wall or other structure is for the adjoining owner, an annual “Occupation Fee” is charged based on the area, size and type of structure.

The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintenance of the structure and providing Public Liability insurance.