Issue: Building site operating hours

Part 7, Clause 7.4

Current

Activity at and around building sites is already managed through a range of clauses in the existing local law. These clauses appear in several different parts of the local law and in some cases, do not represent current best practice.

Several clauses also duplicate or overlap with state legislation, which they must not do.

Proposed

Adding a new clause to building site management provisions that limits building activity to the hours of:

1. Commercial and industrial construction and demolition:

1. 7.00am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
2. 7.00am and 1.00 pm Saturday
3. Sundays and public holidays – no works permitted (without a permit)

1. Residential construction and demolition:

1. 7.00am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
2. 9.00am and 1.00 pm Saturday
3. Sundays and public holidays – no works permitted (without a permit)

Unless otherwise allowed by Planning, Local Laws or EPA permits.

In addition, clauses related to building activity have been combined into the same section of the proposed local law, where possible. Any overlap or duplication of state legislation has been removed.

Rationale

Part 7 has been extensively re-written to clarify builder’s responsibilities for managing their construction sites, to ensure minimum impact on the surrounding environment and neighbourhood amenity.

The revised clauses now reflect best practice approaches taken by councils across metropolitan Melbourne. The new times proposed are in line with the EPA’s Civil construction, building and demolition guide.