Can You Change Your Driveway Crossover in Adelaide?

Changing a driveway crossover can make a big difference to how easily you enter your property, where you park and how much usable space you have at the front of your home. You may want to move the crossover to improve access, widen it for multiple vehicles, remove an old driveway or create a second vehicle entrance.

But a driveway crossover in Adelaide is not simply part of your private driveway. The section connecting your property to the road can involve council-controlled land, the kerb, footpath, verge, street trees and roadside infrastructure.

So, can you change it? Often, yes — but you may need council approval before doing the work. The exact requirements depend on your local council, the type of change proposed and whether other approvals apply.

Here’s what Adelaide homeowners should consider before removing concrete or booking a contractor.

What Is a Driveway Crossover?

A driveway crossover is the part of the vehicle access that connects a property to the public road.

Depending on the street, this can include the transition across the footpath or verge and the kerb or kerb layback.

The private driveway inside your property is different from the crossover on the road reserve.

This distinction matters because altering the road reserve can require authorisation from the relevant council.

For example, the City of West Torrens states that council approval is required to install a new driveway or crossover from the property boundary to the road kerb.

The City of Salisbury’s residential vehicle crossover application also specifically covers situations including creating a second driveway access, making an existing driveway wider, moving driveway access and removing the old access.

That means homeowners considering a driveway change should check the approval requirements before construction begins.

Can You Move an Existing Driveway Crossover?

Moving an existing crossover may be possible, but it is not simply a matter of breaking up the old concrete and pouring a new section somewhere else.

A proposed new location may need to be assessed against existing conditions around the property.

These can include:

• Street trees
• Stobie poles
• Street lights
• Stormwater pits
• Drainage infrastructure
• Footpaths
• Roadside parking
• Other driveways
• Utility infrastructure
• Sightlines and vehicle access

Salisbury’s crossover application specifically includes an option for homeowners who want to “move driveway access and remove” the existing access.

The proposed location therefore needs to be considered before the old crossover is removed.

Why the location matters

Moving a crossover can affect more than your own driveway.

A new position may change where vehicles cross the footpath, affect on-street parking or conflict with existing infrastructure.

South Australia’s proposed residential crossover design work also identified considerations such as street trees, bins, roadside infrastructure, safe footpaths and the relationship between driveway design and on-street parking. Although that statewide draft was later withdrawn, these issues remain useful considerations when planning a crossover change.

Can You Widen a Driveway Crossover?

Potentially, yes, but widening an existing crossover may require approval.

Salisbury’s current residential crossover application specifically identifies “make an existing driveway wider” as one of the purposes for which an application can be made.

The fact that a wider driveway would make parking easier does not automatically mean the council will approve any width you request.

The proposed change still needs to work with the surrounding road environment.

For example, widening may affect:

• The footpath
• Street parking
• A nearby tree
• A Stobie pole
• A stormwater pit
• The kerb
• The location of bins
• Neighbouring driveway access

A wider crossover may also require changes to the private driveway itself, particularly if the existing driveway does not line up with the proposed access.

What About Creating a Second Driveway Crossover?

Some homeowners want a second vehicle entrance because they have multiple cars, a new garage, a trailer or changes to the property’s layout.

A second crossover may be possible in some circumstances, but it should not be assumed that every residential property can have one.

Salisbury’s crossover application specifically includes “create a second driveway access” as an application purpose, showing that this type of proposal is dealt with through the council approval process.

The assessment can involve the location of the proposed access and nearby public infrastructure.

If you are considering a second crossover, discuss the proposal with your council before committing to the driveway layout.

Do You Need Council Approval to Replace an Existing Crossover?

This depends on what “replace” means.

Replacing the private driveway surface inside your property may be different from reconstructing or altering the section within the road reserve.

If the work changes the crossover, kerb, footpath or other public infrastructure, council requirements may apply.

West Torrens, for example, requires approval for new driveway or crossover construction and provides specific engineering drawings for concrete and brick-paved crossover layouts.

Some councils also distinguish between work already approved through a development application and work that requires a separate road-authorisation process.

Playford, for example, states that an application is required for an alteration of the public road to permit access from an adjacent property, while noting an exception where the vehicle crossover has already received approval as part of an applicable development application.

This is why homeowners should check their specific approval pathway rather than relying on advice from another suburb.

Street Trees Can Affect Your Driveway Plans

A street tree can become a major constraint when you want to move or widen a crossover.

Do not assume that a tree can be removed simply because it sits where you want the new driveway to go.

West Torrens states that approval is also required to remove a street tree in the path of a proposed driveway.

Other councils can have their own tree policies and assessment processes.

The better approach is to identify trees before finalising the driveway design.

In some situations, changing the driveway position may be more practical than attempting to remove or relocate an established street tree.

What About Stobie Poles, Stormwater Pits and Other Infrastructure?

Existing roadside infrastructure can restrict where a crossover can be placed.

For example, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield’s current driveway crossover specification includes clearance requirements relating to Stobie poles, stormwater outlets, stormwater pits and street trees. It also explains that proposed relocation or modification of some infrastructure requires consultation and additional approvals.

These requirements are council-specific. A clearance stated in one council’s engineering specification should not automatically be treated as the rule for another Adelaide council.

Before finalising the design, look carefully at the entire street frontage.

Check for:

• Stobie poles
• Street lights
• Stormwater pits
• Trees
• Existing kerb ramps
• Utility infrastructure
• Nearby driveways
• Bus stops or other roadside facilities

A site inspection can reveal constraints that are not obvious from the property’s driveway alone.

How Does the Footpath Affect a Crossover Change?

The footpath is another important consideration.

A driveway crossover has to allow vehicles to access the property while maintaining an appropriate pedestrian path.

When moving or widening a crossover, the proposed design should account for the existing footpath alignment, levels and surrounding infrastructure.

South Australia’s 2023 draft crossover work specifically identified maintaining a safe and clear footpath as one of the design considerations. The proposed statewide standard did not proceed and was withdrawn in 2024, so homeowners should rely on the current requirements of their own council.

This is particularly relevant on streets with narrow verges or footpaths close to the kerb.

What Is the Process for Changing a Driveway Crossover?

While the exact process varies between councils, a sensible starting sequence is:

1. Identify your local council

Find out which council controls the road reserve outside your property.

2. Explain the proposed change

Be specific about whether you want to move, widen, remove, replace or create a second crossover.

3. Check existing infrastructure

Look for trees, poles, pits, footpaths, drainage and other obstacles.

4. Check whether other planning approval exists

If the driveway forms part of a broader development, subdivision or building project, determine whether it has already been considered through that process.

5. Submit the required application

If council approval or a road-opening/vehicle-crossover application is required, obtain approval before construction.

6. Build according to the approved requirements

The contractor should follow the relevant council drawings, specifications and conditions.

7. Complete the old crossover correctly

If the crossover is moved, the former access may need to be removed and the affected area reinstated according to council requirements.

Why Adelaide Council Requirements Are Not All the Same

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming there is one set of crossover rules for the whole Adelaide metropolitan area.

Different councils publish their own forms, engineering drawings, specifications and approval processes.

West Torrens provides specific crossover drawings and requires council approval for new driveway access.

Salisbury provides a residential vehicle crossover application covering new access, second access, widening and moving an existing driveway.

Port Adelaide Enfield publishes its own crossover specification with infrastructure clearance requirements.

PlanSA’s proposed statewide residential crossover standard was withdrawn after consultation, reinforcing the need to check the current requirements applicable to the individual property and council area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Removing the old crossover first

Do not demolish the existing access before confirming where the replacement will go and what approvals are required.

Assuming widening is automatically allowed

A larger crossover may affect street parking, trees, footpaths or infrastructure.

Copying a neighbour’s design

The neighbouring property may have different frontage conditions, approvals or infrastructure.

Ignoring street trees

Check tree requirements before finalising the new driveway position.

Forgetting the footpath

A driveway design needs to account for pedestrians as well as vehicles.

Relying on old information

Planning and council requirements can change. Use the current information published by the council responsible for your property.

Asking the concrete contractor to decide everything

Your contractor can provide valuable construction advice, but approval requirements should be confirmed with the relevant council.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move my driveway crossover in Adelaide?

In many cases, a crossover can be moved, but approval may be required. Salisbury’s residential crossover application specifically includes moving driveway access and removing the old access as an application purpose.

Can I widen an existing driveway crossover?

Potentially. Widening an existing crossover can require council approval and must comply with the relevant council’s requirements. Salisbury specifically lists widening an existing driveway as an application purpose.

Can I add a second driveway crossover?

It may be possible depending on the property and council requirements. A second access should be discussed with the relevant council before construction.

Can I remove a street tree to move my driveway?

Do not remove a street tree without the required council approval. Tree removal can be subject to separate assessment and requirements.

How much does it cost to move a driveway crossover?

There is no single Adelaide-wide price. Costs can vary according to demolition, concrete work, kerb and footpath changes, drainage, site access, infrastructure constraints and council requirements.

Does my concrete contractor need to get council approval?

Not necessarily. Some contractors can assist with applications, but the homeowner should confirm who is responsible for obtaining approval and ensure the required approval is in place before work begins.

Final Thoughts

Changing a driveway crossover in Adelaide is possible in many situations, but it is not simply a concrete replacement job. Moving, widening or creating an access can affect the road reserve, footpath, kerb, street trees, drainage and roadside infrastructure.

The best first step is to check the requirements of the council responsible for your property. Once the proposed location has been assessed and any required approval is obtained, a concrete contractor can build the crossover to the applicable specifications.

If you’re considering moving or widening your driveway access, speak with your local council first and then discuss the approved design with an experienced concrete contractor. Planning the crossover before construction starts can help prevent expensive changes later.