Permits for parks or reserves

Permits for parks or reserves

If you want to carry out any activities in a City of Hobart owned or managed park or reserve you need a permit to do so.

Such activities may include:

  • undertaking works
  • needing vehicle access
  • conduct activities e.g. scatter remains, carrying out noisy activities
  • carrying out scientific research.

This also applies to parks, gardens, beaches, waterways, natural and undeveloped land owned by the City of Hobart, and highways. The City of Hobart Public Spaces By-Law 2018 requires that people seek approval to access these spaces, and protects vegetation, wildlife, landform and other assets within these areas.

Before you apply for a permit, please check the make a booking page to determine if you need to book the area. If a booking is required you will not be required to apply for a permit separately, unless otherwise advised when making your booking.

If you want to carry out an activity that isn't listed and are unsure if the activity requires a permit or booking, please contact us on 03 6238 2711 or by email at parks@hobartcity.com.au.

Applications to carry out any of the activities listed below must be submitted at least 14 days before the date the permit is required. Applications that do not meet this timeframe may not be accepted.

Undertake works in a public space

To carry out any works in a park or reserve such as construction or upgrades to infrastructure, a permit is needed.

Due to the potential for damage to built assets or natural and cultural values, a bond may be required to be paid. Once your application has been assessed you will be notified of any bond requirements.

Fees apply for vehicle access associated with the works. In addition, if a key is needed to access the location a bond is required to be paid. Keys can be collected by the applicant after the permit is issued.

For your application to be considered you will need to provide the following supporting documentation:

  • a plan that details the location of the proposed works, natural features, built assets and property boundaries.
  • a map or specific plan providing details of the access point and vehicle route (if vehicle access is needed)

Depending on the nature and scale of the activity the following additional information may be requested:

  • an environmental management and construction plan
  • a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
  • a natural values and/or cultural heritage values assessment
  • a revegetation plan

To apply for a permit to undertake works in a park or reserve (public space), complete and submit the online form:

Apply online

A printable form is available on our forms page.

For associated fees and bond amounts refer to our fees and charges page (see Vehicles – Residential Access Across Parks and Bushland).

Vehicle access in a public space

If you want to drive or park any vehicle into a park or reserve, you will need a permit (fees apply).

In some cases, once assessed if the impact on the park is too great, or if infrastructure or other obstacles are blocking access, another route may need to be negotiated.

Please be aware that there are likely to be restrictions on the use of vehicles within the park or reserve, such as vehicles to move at walking speed only, use of a spotter and no reversing of vehicle/s unless absolutely necessary.

Vehicle access into City of Hobart parks and reserves is generally blocked by locked gates and bollards. If a key is needed to access the location a bond is required to be paid. Keys can be collected by the applicant after the permit is issued.

Due to the potential for damage to built assets or natural and cultural values, a bond may be required to be paid. Once your application has been assessed you will be notified of any bond requirements.

For your application to be considered you will need to provide the following supporting documentation:

  • a map or specific plan providing details of the access point, vehicle route and reason for access.

To apply for a permit for vehicle access in a park or reserve (public space), complete and submit the online form:

Apply online

A printable form is available on our forms page.

For associated fees and bond amounts refer to our fees and charges page (see Vehicles – Residential Access Across Parks and Bushland).

Conduct an activity in a public space

If you want to carry out an activity in a public space such as a noisy activity or scatter cremated remains you will need to apply for a permit.

To apply for a permit to conduct an activity in a park or reserve (public space), complete and submit the online form:

Apply online

A printable form is available on our forms page.

Undertaking scientific research

To carry out scientific research in a park or reserve you will need a permit.

For your application to be considered you will need to provide the following supporting documentation:

  • a completed Scientific Research Project Statement
  • a map of the proposed area
  • any other approvals required for your research (e.g animal ethics, DPIPWE).

To apply for a permit to undertake scientific research in a public space, complete and submit the online form:

Apply online

A printable form is available on our forms page.

Please note: if vehicle access is required a separate application is required.