Permits for parks or reserves

Permits for parks or reserves

The City of Hobart Public Spaces By-Law 2018 requires that people seek approval, via a permit process, to undertake certain activities in public spaces.

The information on this page refers to activities in City of Hobart owned or managed parks and reserves to protect vegetation, wildlife, landform and other assets within these areas.

Permit types are:

  • undertake works in a park or reserve
  • vehicle access in a park or reserve
  • undertake scientific research in a park or reserve.

This applies to parks, gardens, beaches, bushland, and sportsgrounds, owned by the City of Hobart.

If you would like to book a park or reserve for an event, please see the BBQ and park bookings page. 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 is not listed and are unsure if the activity requires a permit or a booking, please contact us on 03 6238 2711 or send an email to coh@hobartcity.com.au.

Applications must be submitted at least 10 working days before the date the permit is required.

Undertake works in a park or reserve

A permit is required to carry out any works in a park or reserve. For example, construction activity (including works for infrastructure), or environmental management. If vehicle access is required to undertake the works, this can be considered on the same application.

To apply for a permit to undertake works in a park or reserve (public space), please complete and submit the online form. The information and/or documentation that is required to be submitted with your application is detailed on this form.

Apply online

A printable form is available on our forms page.

The administration fee for this application is $427, and the fee must be paid for your application to be considered valid. Once we have received your application, we will let you know how payment can be made.

Bond and access keys

Please be aware that a bond may apply dependent upon the nature and risk of impact associated with the application. Once your application has been assessed, you will be notified of any bond requirements.

Vehicle access into City of Hobart parks and reserves is generally restricted by locked gates and/or bollards. If a key is needed to access the location, you will need to collect this from the City of Hobart Customer Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, after the permit is issued. Fees apply if you fail to return the key.

For more information on fees and bond amounts refer to our fees and charges page(see Parks, Reserves and Undeveloped Open Space - Vehicle Access and Works).

Vehicle access in a park or reserve

If you want to drive or park a vehicle in a park or reserve, you will require a permit.

To apply for a permit for vehicle access in a park or reserve (public space), please complete and submit the online form. The information and/or documentation required to be submitted with your application is detailed on this form.

Apply online

A printable form is available on our forms page.

The administration fee for this application is $427, and the fee must be paid for your application to be considered valid. Once we have received your application, we will let you know how payment can be made.

Please be aware that there are likely to be restrictions on the use of vehicles within the park or reserve, such as a limitation on the area you can drive, vehicles to move at walking speed only, use of a spotter when maneuvering.

Undertaking scientific research

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

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.

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

  • a map of the proposed area(s)
  • copies of any other approvals granted for your research (e.g animal ethics, NRE Tas)

Please note: a separate application is required if you need vehicle access as part of this research in a park or bushland reserve.