Verge Maintenance
The verge area is the portion of land (road reserve) between the edge of the road and the adjacent property boundary. Generally, the verge is grassed and may contain street trees, crossovers and/or footpaths. Verges are provided on the edge of each road as a corridor to house underground services such as street lighting, power, gas, stormwater, water, sewerage and telecommunications.
While the verge is owned by the State Government, property owners are required to keep their verges safe and accessible to maintain clear sightlines for traffic and ensuring the space does not become a hazard.
Many residents maintain their own verges, and we encourage all Bassendean residents to get involved and make the verge adjacent to your property your space, whether it is maintained grass, growing vegetation or soft foliage plants that comply with the Town's Verge Treatment Guidelines. Street trees located within the verge remain the responsibility of the Town.
Verge Maintenance Policy
Verge Maintenance Assistance Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Verge Planting
The verge is a valued public space and to achieve the maximum potential of this space for the community, the Town encourages the development and maintenance of environmentally sustainable verge treatments. The following will provide some practical information and examples for the design and implementation of your new verge garden.
The Verge Treatment Guidelines encourage you to install verge treatments within our community which:
- reduce water use within the verge
- decrease the urban heat island effect
- provides a habitat for fauna and improves biodiversity
- creates a sense of community and place
- adds to the amenity of the local area
- increases water infiltration and reduces stormwater runoff
- improves soil quality and the health of street trees.
Residents can make changes in line with the Verge Treatments Guidelines without the need to apply for a permit. Where a verge is 'common property' between two or more owners or occupiers, the owner or occupier proposing to install a verge treatment must obtain written agreement from all other owners or occupiers prior to commencing a verge treatment.
Verge Treatment Guidelines for Enhancing Your Verge
Town of Bassendean Activities on Thoroughfares and Trading in Thoroughfares and Public Places Local Law
Verge Treatment Policy
Street and Reserves Tree Policy
Residents wishing to install a verge garden which is outside of these requirements will require prior written approval from the Town before carrying out any works within their verge. To assess your application, the Town will require a satisfactorily completed Application for Permits form and a site plan indicating all assets within the verge (such as footpaths, street trees, road, drainage lids and property boundaries) and the proposed verge treatment. Applicants may wish to include a written proposal or justification.
Application for Permits