Nightworks Permits
Nightworks Permits are required for construction activities which are required to occur outside of 7am - 7pm Monday to Saturday and, in doing so, exceed the noise limitations under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulation 1997. They are typically required when footpath and/or road closures are necessary and the disruption to pedestrians and motorists would otherwise outweigh the impact of the works occurring after 7pm or before 7am.
Public works undertaken on or on behalf of government agencies such as the Public Transport Authority for rail maintenance or Mainroads WA for highway works are often required to occur during the evening or early hours. Public works are not subject to local government approval. Queries or complaints regarding public works should be directed to the responsible state government agency.
Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) are generally required to accompany a demolition or building permit, or a development (planning) application and need to address construction hours and management measures including those to control noise and other emissions, and traffic. When an approved CEMP is in place and works are required to occur outside of 7am - 7pm Monday to Saturday the Shire may approve an amendment to the CEMP or may seek a standalone Nightworks Permit. Further information on CEMPs can be found here local planning policy 8
Components of a Nightworks Permit
Components of a Nightworks Permit typically include:
- Description of the work
- Identification of the authorised person such as a site supervisor
- Specific safety protocols
- Noise management plan
- Traffic management plan
- Evaluation of potential risks and hazards
- Communication protocols (consultation strategy)
- Details about supervision requirements to ensure compliance
The two main technical components are the Noise Management Plan (NMP) and the Traffic Management Plan (TMP). These documents are prepared by suitably qualified acoustic consultants and traffic engineers (respectively).
The NMP should clearly articulate the nature of the works and provide justification as to why the works need to be undertaken outside of 7am - 7pm Monday to Saturday. Modelling needs to identify the likely maximum emissions received by the closest noise sensitive receivers (typically residences) and include a methodology. A management statement should evidence how management measures will be employed to minimise noise impacts as far as practical, as well as include or reference a consultation strategy and complaints resolution process.
The TMP should be prepared by a suitably qualified traffic engineer and clearly articulate the nature of the works, compliance with applicable standards, and traffic management measures to isolate work zones, and for footpath and road closures and obstructions include the use of directional signage and traffic controllers as applicable. A management statement should evidence how management measures will be employed to ensure the safety of contractors, pedestrians and motorists, as well as include or reference a consultation strategy and complaints resolution process.
A singular consultation strategy should be employed to avoid duplication or confusing recipients. The consultation strategy must identify which other agencies and key stakeholders as well as which properties in the vicinity of the proposed works will be notified, how they will be notified, and when they will be notified. A copy of the proposed consultation letter that includes contact details for key site personnel should also be provided. Consultation is recommended to occur one week prior to the works commencing and no less than 72 hours before the commencement of works.
A $295 application fee applies to Nightworks Permits. Please allow 28 days for the processing of your application. Applications can be lodged via email to admin@peppermintgrove.wa.gov.au