Code of practice: construction-related temporary structures on and above roads

Details our minimum performance standards and specific design and operational requirements when building temporary structures on and above roads.

Published
Code of practice cover

Takeaways

Temporary structures, such as hoardings and scaffolding, are important for construction and building maintenance projects.

  • Hoardings are commonly used to create a barrier between the worksite and the public for safety purposes.
  • Scaffolding systems are used to screen the worksite, as well as provide a stable working platform.
  • Other forms of temporary structure are used to facilitate works and meet worker safety requirements. These structures include cantilevered work platforms, perimeter safety screens/shutters and site sheds.

Temporary structures placed on and/or above City of Sydney land must:

  • minimise obstructions and inconvenience for people walking and riding
  • ensure safe passage with well-maintained walking surfaces past worksites
  • minimise negative visual effects on the surrounding area.

The code of practice sets minimum performance standards and specific design criteria to limit and manage these impacts. The code also lets developers, contractors and building owners to carry out necessary work and fulfill their legislative work safety responsibilities and other obligations.

Laws and regulation

The code of practice has been made under the local approvals policy for construction-related temporary structures.

We consider and assess applications in line with the policy. An application is approved under s94 of the Local Government Act 1993 (an activity under category E(2) of the table to s68) and also under the Roads Act 1993. Both acts are used to regulate temporary structures, including any enforcement actions taken by the City of Sydney.

Approvals

You need to get approval from the City of Sydney before temporary structures including hoardings and scaffolding are set up for a development or worksite.

Creative graphic design options

Our creative hoardings program requires eligible hoardings and scaffolding to feature artworks or historic images.