Resident Self-Managed Verges and No Spray List

Resident self-managed verges for rural properties

Property owners and residents are responsible for the maintenance of their verges in front of their homes, including corner side verges. This includes gardens, lawns and reticulation.

The Shire maintains street trees, remnant vegetation and maintenance (mowing and weed control), of any road and drainage infrastructure.  Works on the verge can also include construction, maintenance, mowing, pruning, pest and weed control as required.

For further information regarding what a verge is and what you can do to improve it please see our Verge Policies and Guidelines » Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale

Property owners can apply to become solely responsible for the verge adjoining their property, known as Resident Self-Managed Verges.

Conditions:

• Weed removal and control.
• Reduce fire hazards (e.g., spray for weed grasses).
• Visibility - maintenance of vegetation to ensure that sight lines along driveways and intersections are not compromised,
• Powerline clearance - management of existing vegetation (not trees) allowing for powerline clearance of three to four metres.

Limitations:

• Planting is prohibited within drainage systems and will be removed during scheduled Shire maintenance.
• Permission must be obtained prior to any vegetation burning on the verge. Prescribed burns, permits and fines » Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
• All trees will continue to be managed by the Shire. If a tree needs to be assessed or maintained at any stage, the property owner is required to contact the Shire.
• Ensure any verge improvements like planting, lawns, mulching, or permeable hardstands abide by the design and policy considerations of the Urban and Rural Verge Policy and Guidelines, and if required a Verge Treatment Variation Application Form submitted.

Application for self-managed verge (Rural)

You can lodge a self-managed verge application online by clicking the button below.

Self-managed verge request

Assessment of application

Once a resident has applied to manage their own verge, the application will be assessed by Shire Officers and notification provided if the application has been approved or not. 

Demarcation of a managed verge

• If the application is approved, the Shire will add the verge to the Resident Self-Managed Verge Register.
• The Shire will erect yellow posts on either side of the property boundary allowing for identification by Shire officers and contractors.
• The posts indicate to Shire officers and contractors to NOT undertake any works (spraying etc) on that section of verge, other than drainage or tree maintenance.
• It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that yellow posts are always visible and to notify the Shire if replacement yellow posts are required.

No spray for urban properties

Property owners or residents who experience a chemical sensitivity or who do not wish for herbicides to be sprayed near their property can register to have their verge placed on the Shire’s No-Spray List. By doing so, the property owner must commit to the management of weeds on and in front of their properties. The No-Spray List does not apply to parks, reserves, and natural areas within the Shire.

Conditions:

• Maintenance of the verge, inclusive of weed removal and control, to the same standard that is achieved by herbicide use.
• The application is valid for one year. To remain on the No Spray List, a yearly renewal is required as of 30 June each year.
• Property owners must adhere to the Shire’s Verge Guidelines and Policy in the management of their verge.

Selling the Property:

When a property that has a self-managed verge or on the no spray list, is sold or the occupier vacates the property, it is the resident’s responsibility to notify the new owners of the self-managed verge / no spray list status.

If a resident wishes to remove the status from their property, please contact the Shire.

Useful Documents

Keeping It Local - Native Species List

Local Low Flammability Native Species

Urban and Rural Verge Policy and Guidelines

Verge Treatment Variation Application Form