Suspension of Landscape Bond Payments
Please be advised that as of 2 March 2022, payment of Landscape Bonds is currently suspended. We are not currently accepting payment, and any applications currently awaiting the payment of a landscape bond will be processed without payment. This includes assessment of any plans submitted for endorsement.
What is a landscape bond?
A landscape bond is a condition of a planning permit. As part of an approved development, we ask for a payment of a bond to ensure that landscaping works are satisfactorily completed.
When would we ask for a bond payment?
Not all permits require the payment of a bond. If a permit has a condition requiring payment of a bond, payment must be made before we process any plans for endorsement.
Anyone can pay a landscape bond, though it is usually paid by the developer or property owner. The person, business or company who pays the bond will receive your money back once you have completed the development and landscaping satisfactorily.
How much does it cost?
Bonds are generally charged based on the number of dwellings in a development. Calculation rates may be different for major developments such as apartments and non-residential buildings.
Bonds required as part of permits issued after 1 July 2019 are also subject to a non-refundable administration fee.
How to pay
If you need to update your details on a bond you have paid for
If there is a change of ownership of a property, you will need to update the details of who will receive the bond refund or the contact details of the bond owner.
To update bond details, download and complete a landscape bond transfer of details form below.
When submitting a form make sure to include all of the following:
- signatures of all parties involved in the transfer
- supporting identification documents
- contracts of sale if there has been a change of ownership.
Make sure to review the checklist on the form so you will know what information you will need to provide.
We cannot issue bond refunds as part of a transfer request
We will only refund a bond after satisfactory completion of landscaping works. If there is a transfer of property to a new owner, the parties will need to settle privately the transfer of funds for the bond.
Getting your bond back
If you want a refund of a landscape bond after the completion of a development, you can request a post-construction inspection.
You will get your bond refunded after the completion of 2 satisfactory inspections. The second inspection will take place 13 weeks after the first one to ensure you’ve maintained the landscaping.
You can request a refund of a bond after the expiry of the permit. We will only give you a refund in a situation where we can’t extend a permit. This is generally 6 months after the expiry date.
Contact us to request a release of a bond for an expired permit.