Vehicle Crossing Site Plan in Auckland: Auckland Transport Approval Requirements

A new or altered vehicle crossing in Auckland needs more than a sketch of the driveway. Auckland Transport must be able to assess where the crossing will connect to the road, how it relates to the property boundaries and whether it conflicts with the footpath, berm, kerb, drainage, street trees, power poles or other public infrastructure.

A clear vehicle crossing site plan shows the complete property, proposed crossing, private driveway, nearest boundary, road frontage and relevant street features. It forms an important part of the Auckland Transport approval process but does not, by itself, authorise construction.

Do You Need Auckland Transport Approval?

Yes. Auckland Transport states that written approval must be obtained before constructing a vehicle crossing. Work must not begin until the application has passed the pre-approval process and an approval letter has been issued.^[1]

Approval should be investigated when you propose to:

• construct a new vehicle crossing;
• relocate an existing crossing;
• widen or materially alter an existing crossing;
• change the kerb or channel;
• alter a public footpath or berm;
• construct a crossing through a swale;
• change the driveway gradient at the road boundary; or
• remove a crossing and reinstate the road frontage.

What Is a Vehicle Crossing?

The vehicle crossing is the part of the access that connects private property to the public road. It commonly extends across the road boundary, berm, footpath, kerb or channel.

The private driveway and vehicle crossing are different:

A project can involve approval for the vehicle crossing even when the private driveway itself is not being completely rebuilt.

Auckland Transport vs Auckland Council

A vehicle-crossing project can involve separate reviews by Auckland Transport and Auckland Council.

Auckland Transport advises that its pre-approval review checks the proposal against Chapter E27 of the Auckland Unitary Plan as well as applicable technical standards. The assessment can include sight distances, stormwater control, gradients, vehicle scraping and conflicts with poles, trees, lights, signs and utilities.^[2]

Receiving Auckland Transport vehicle-crossing approval does not automatically satisfy every Auckland Council requirement.

What Must Be Included With the Application?

Auckland Transport states that a vehicle-crossing application must include:

• a detailed, scaled plan showing all property boundaries;
• a diagram showing the proposed crossing’s location relative to the closest property boundary; and
• detailed photographs of the proposed crossing location.^[1]

If street features could affect the proposal, the application must also identify them on the plan and include appropriate photographs. Relevant features can include:

• street trees;
• power poles;
• streetlights;
• traffic signs;
• utility cabinets;
• water valves and hydrants;
• stormwater pits;
• catchpits and drainage grates;
• bus stops;
• parking controls; and
• pedestrian or cycling infrastructure.

What Should an Auckland Vehicle Crossing Site Plan Show?

1. Property identification

• property address;
• lot and deposited plan details when available;
• complete property-boundary outline;
• boundary dimensions where available;
• street name and frontage;
• north arrow;
• drawing scale and scale bar; and
• date and drawing title.

2. Existing buildings and access

• existing dwelling;
• garage or carport;
• existing driveway;
• existing vehicle crossing;
• parking spaces;
• turning areas;
• fences and gates; and
• other structures near the driveway.

3. Proposed vehicle crossing

• proposed crossing outline;
• crossing width at relevant points;
• connection with the private driveway;
• distance to the closest property boundary;
• distance from relevant street features;
• existing and proposed kerb treatment;
• footpath integration;
• berm or swale treatment;
• surface material; and
• clear labels distinguishing existing and proposed work.

4. Road-frontage information

• road edge or carriageway;
• kerb and channel;
• public footpath;
• berm or verge;
• road boundary;
• drainage channels or swales;
• street trees and landscaping;
• poles, streetlights and signs;
• utility covers and service cabinets; and
• other crossings near the property.

5. Levels and gradients

• road and kerb levels where relevant;
• footpath or berm level;
• vehicle-crossing gradient;
• private driveway gradient;
• vertical transition points;
• garage or parking level; and
• surface-water direction.

Do Not Use Generic Crossing Dimensions

Auckland Transport publishes standard drawings for residential, commercial, rural and asphalt vehicle crossings. Different drawings apply depending on the road-frontage arrangement, whether a footpath is present, whether the crossing passes through a swale and how the site will be used.^[3]

The acceptable dimensions can depend on:

• whether the property is residential or commercial;
• the number of parking spaces or dwellings served;
• road type and operating environment;
• distance from intersections;
• visibility and sight distances;
• pedestrian and cycling conditions;
• the private driveway’s width and gradient;
• existing kerb, footpath or swale construction; and
• Chapter E27 of the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Confirm the correct standard before finalising the crossing width or construction details.

Property Boundaries Must Be Clear

The site plan must show the proposed crossing in relation to the closest property boundary. This helps Auckland Transport understand whether the crossing is positioned within the correct frontage and whether it could affect adjacent property access.

Do not automatically use a fence, hedge or retaining wall as the legal boundary. Survey information may be required when:

• the crossing is close to the side boundary;
• the frontage is narrow or irregular;
• the legal boundary is uncertain;
• the existing fence appears misaligned;
• the driveway serves a rear property;
• the property is cross-lease; or
• a right of way or easement affects the access.

For more information, read the guide explaining when a survey may be required before preparing a site plan.

Footpaths and Pedestrian Safety

A vehicle crossing allows vehicles to pass across an area used by pedestrians. The crossing must therefore integrate correctly with the public footpath.

The design may need to address:

• footpath continuity;
• crossfall and level changes;
• surface materials;
• visibility between drivers and pedestrians;
• vehicle speed across the footpath;
• accessibility;
• construction strength; and
• temporary pedestrian access during construction.

Auckland Transport’s engineering standards cover the crossing’s physical construction, including concrete strength and thickness, footpath integration and maximum gradients.^[3]

Driveway Gradients and Vehicle Scraping

Auckland Transport’s review can consider maximum gradients and the risk of vehicles scraping where the road, crossing and private driveway meet.^[2]

A sloping property may require:

• spot levels;
• driveway gradients;
• a driveway long section;
• vertical transition details;
• garage finished-floor level;
• crossfall information; and
• a vehicle-clearance template.

Read the steep driveway site plan guide for more information about gradients, transitions and drainage.

Street Trees, Poles and Other Infrastructure

A crossing may not be suitable in the preferred position if it conflicts with existing public infrastructure.

The site plan and photographs should identify nearby:

• street trees and root zones;
• power poles;
• streetlights;
• traffic signs;
• utility boxes;
• water meters and valves;
• fire hydrants;
• catchpits and drainage grates;
• bus stops;
• cycle facilities; and
• neighbouring vehicle crossings.

Auckland Transport’s pre-approval assessment specifically considers the location of power poles, trees, streetlights, signs and utility infrastructure.^[2]

Do not remove, relocate or alter public infrastructure without receiving the relevant authority’s permission.

Stormwater and Drainage

A new crossing can affect how water moves along the kerb, channel, berm or swale. The private driveway can also direct additional runoff toward the road.

The site plan may need to show:

• kerb and channel;
• swales or open drains;
• catchpits and drainage grates;
• existing and proposed surface-water direction;
• channel drains;
• stormwater pipes;
• culverts where applicable;
• permeable and impermeable surfaces; and
• the proposed stormwater connection or outfall.

Auckland Transport’s vehicle-crossing review includes stormwater control.^[2]

Complex drainage may require design by an appropriately qualified professional. See the New Zealand stormwater and drainage site plan guide.

Driveway Widening and Existing Crossings

Widening the private driveway does not automatically mean the public vehicle crossing can be widened to match it. The crossing must be assessed separately against Auckland Transport and Auckland Unitary Plan requirements.

The plan should show:

• existing driveway width;
• proposed driveway width;
• existing crossing width;
• proposed crossing width;
• areas of new paving;
• kerb and footpath changes;
• parking and turning changes; and
• infrastructure affected by the widening.

For a complete explanation, read the driveway widening site plan guide.

When Is a Corridor Access Request Required?

A vehicle-crossing approval and a Corridor Access Request are different processes. A CAR may be required when the construction activity affects the normal operation of the road, footpath or berm.

Auckland Transport says a CAR is required when work involves digging, drilling or resurfacing, or otherwise affects normal operation of the road corridor.^[4]

Road-corridor activities can include:

• excavating the berm or footpath;
• removing or replacing kerb and channel;
• placing machinery in the road corridor;
• temporarily closing or diverting the footpath;
• occupying parking or traffic lanes;
• installing a stormwater connection; or
• storing materials or equipment on public land.

Auckland Transport advises that CAR applications should be made at least 15 working days before work starts. Submitting the application is not authority to begin; the approved permit must be received first.^[4]

Do You Need a Traffic Management Plan?

A Traffic Management Plan may be required when the work changes normal use of the road, parking lane, footpath or berm.

Auckland Transport states that all Corridor Access Requests must be accompanied by a TMP and that the TMP must be approved before work begins.^[5]

The TMP explains matters such as:

• worksite location and dates;
• construction methodology;
• placement of signs, barriers and cones;
• temporary pedestrian routes;
• vehicle and cyclist management;
• parking restrictions;
• temporary speed management where applicable; and
• contractor and emergency contact information.

Traffic-management documentation must be prepared and implemented by suitably qualified personnel.

Auckland Transport Application Process

1. Check the property: Review boundaries, title information, easements and the existing access.
2. Inspect the frontage: Photograph the proposed location and identify trees, poles, lights, signs, pits and utility covers.
3. Prepare the site plan: Show all boundaries, the proposed crossing and its relationship with the nearest boundary.
4. Check Council requirements: Determine whether resource, building, earthworks or drainage approval is also required.
5. Submit the application: Lodge the required information through the applicable process.
6. Wait for the pre-approval review: Auckland Transport will review the application and inspect the proposed location.
7. Receive written approval: Do not start construction until the approval letter is issued.
8. Arrange traffic management: Complete the CAR and TMP requirements when directed.
9. Prepare for concrete: Excavate and prepare the crossing in accordance with the approved specifications.
10. Book the pre-pour inspection: Arrange inspection of the boxing before concrete is placed.
11. Complete the work: Follow the approved details and any inspection or completion conditions.

Auckland Transport currently requests two working days’ notice for the pre-pour inspection. Written approval must already have been issued before this inspection can be booked.^[1]

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed

• The plan does not show all property boundaries.
• The drawing is not to scale.
• The distance to the nearest boundary is missing.
• The proposed crossing is not clearly distinguished from the existing crossing.
• Street-frontage photographs are missing or unclear.
• A street tree, pole, light or sign is omitted.
• Drainage pits or utility covers are not shown.
• The crossing conflicts with the footpath or kerb.
• Driveway gradients and transitions are unclear.
• Parking and turning arrangements are not shown.
• The proposal does not address Chapter E27 requirements.
• The site plan conflicts with the engineering or consent drawings.
• A basic aerial screenshot is supplied instead of a scaled plan.
• Work begins before written approval is issued.

Site Plan vs Survey vs Crossing Detail

A drafted site plan does not replace a registered survey, engineering design, resource consent plan or Traffic Management Plan when those documents are required.

What to Provide When Ordering Your Site Plan

• property address;
• title plan or available survey;
• proposed crossing position and width;
• existing and proposed driveway layout;
• measurements to the nearest property boundary;
• photos of the complete street frontage;
• photos looking in both directions along the road;
• locations of nearby trees, poles, lights and signs;
• locations of drainage pits and utility covers;
• available levels or gradient information;
• parking and turning layout; and
• instructions received from Auckland Transport or Auckland Council.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I construct a vehicle crossing without Auckland Transport approval?

No. Auckland Transport requires written approval before vehicle-crossing construction begins.

Is a vehicle crossing the same as a driveway?

No. The private driveway is located within the property, while the vehicle crossing connects it to the road across the public road frontage.

Does every application need a site plan?

Auckland Transport requires a detailed scaled plan showing all property boundaries and a diagram showing the crossing’s relationship with the closest boundary.

Do I need photographs?

Yes. Detailed photographs of the proposed crossing location are required. Additional photographs should show street features that may affect the proposal.

Can I widen the existing crossing when widening my driveway?

Only after the proposed crossing width and design have been assessed and approved. Widening the private driveway does not automatically authorise changes within the road corridor.

Do I need resource consent?

Possibly. Auckland Transport checks applicable Chapter E27 requirements, while Auckland Council determines whether resource consent or other Council approval is required.

When can concrete be poured?

Only after written approval and the required pre-pour inspection of the prepared boxing. Follow the conditions and specifications provided by Auckland Transport.

Does NZ Site Plan provide Auckland Transport approval?

No. NZ Site Plan prepares site plan drawings. Auckland Transport and Auckland Council issue the applicable approvals.

Final Application Checklist

• Show every property boundary.
• Use a clear drawing scale.
• Identify the road boundary, footpath, berm, kerb and channel.
• Show the proposed crossing and private driveway.
• Measure the crossing to the nearest boundary.
• Identify parking and turning areas.
• Show relevant levels and driveway gradients.
• Identify trees, poles, streetlights and signs.
• Show drainage pits and utility covers.
• Provide detailed street-frontage photographs.
• Check Auckland Council consent requirements.
• Complete CAR and TMP requirements when applicable.
• Wait for written approval before construction.
• Arrange the required pre-pour inspection.

This guide was reviewed in August 2026 and provides general information only. Auckland Transport standards, Auckland Unitary Plan provisions, application procedures and fees can change and vary by property. Confirm current requirements with Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and appropriately qualified professionals before construction.

Official References

1. Auckland Transport — Vehicle Crossing Application
2. Auckland Transport — Pre-approval Assessment and Inspection Process
3. Auckland Transport — Vehicle Crossing Standards
4. Auckland Transport — Corridor Access Requests
5. Auckland Transport — Traffic Management Plans
6. Auckland Transport — Road Encroachment Approvals