How to extend a concrete driveway to create additional parking?

Hi guys,

Requesting for recommendations and information on the following project I am planning parallely to other.

I would like to put concrete surface ( or concrete slab), sorry if the terminology is wrong, on addition to my existing drive way.

Question : Is there particular standard (size and length) of the driveway in QLD or I can increase my existing driveway for spare car parking ?

AREA 1:

Going to cut this tree to gain 1400X4500 unused space.
Can I extend the driveway to the area indicated in RED ?
Precaution I should be using around the Termite Treatment area ( indicated with red arrow)?
The area indicated by Yellow is usually wet when it is raining and the pipe comes out to the street.
Is this doable by myself and are there many precautions I should be taking while attempting to do myself ? Than you. This is for extra space for second car parking

AREA 2

A lot of unwanted plants growing every next week. We have decided we do the concreate flooring ?
Is this doable ? and what are the precautions we need to take before doing this? I think it will look more neat and clean.

AREA3

Same issue like AREA 2.
They have two pipes coming from surface (not sure what they are for 😁), how should be working around those pipes?

AREA 4

Could I extend my drive way to the area (rough) indicated by blue ?
Will there be anything I need to think about Council (Gold Coast)

guys, the purpose is to make the front area clean and use the unwanted area and make extra space for car parcking and what sorts of tool I will be using to do this or this is something I should leave for professional people.

I would like to chip in or do whatever I can do. I need to be carefull on pipes, exhaust, termite treatment holes (have left unused for a while, need to reset it).

Keep up the good work.

Thank you. Happy Thursday.

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @Sugar,

Expanding a concrete driveway for additional parking is a great way to make better use of your space, but there are a few key factors to consider before starting. In Queensland, driveway standards and regulations can vary by council, so it's best to check with your local council to confirm whether there are any restrictions on driveway extensions, including size limits, setbacks, and approvals needed.

For Area 1, removing the tree to gain extra space seems feasible, but you'll need to check whether extending the driveway to the red-marked area complies with local regulations and whether council approval is needed to remove the tree. The termite treatment area should not be covered with concrete, as it may impact future treatments. You might need to leave a gap or install access points. Additionally, if the yellow-marked area is prone to water pooling, drainage considerations will be important to prevent water from collecting under the new slab.

For Areas 2 and 3, concrete surfacing can help with weed control and improve the appearance, but before pouring concrete, you should confirm what the two visible pipes are for. If they are stormwater or sewer pipes, they may need protection or adjustments to avoid damage.

For Area 4, extending the driveway into the blue-marked section once again might require council approval, especially if it extends to the property boundary or impacts street access.

In terms of DIY feasibility, small concrete slabs can be manageable if you have experience with excavation, formwork, and pouring concrete. However, larger driveway extensions often require professional assistance to ensure proper grading, reinforcement, and drainage. You'll need tools like a concrete mixer, tamper, screed, and float, and may need to hire excavation equipment if significant digging is required. If you're unsure, consulting a concreter for at least part of the project might be a good approach.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Dave-1

Afternoon @Sugar

Thats a few questions to get through 🙂

Removing Australian natives - Check with your local council for the ruling, there are usually fines if the tree is removed outside allowances.

Making driveway larger over footpath area - Check with your local council over rules. I have not seen this allowed.

Driveway width - My local council has rules for driveways and widths as it impacts parking on the street ect. Theyare resonably admimant about rules so definently check the council rulings. Thye will have a link on their webpage. It may take a few pages to get to the information is all.

Covering other areas - Figure drainage and where it will flow to with a hard surface area. You may be exchanging one issue for another. Also factorin heat reflection especially being in Queensland.

Before covering the garden beds with concrete I would also suggest to get a plumber out to verify the condition of your pipes in case there is an issue so it can be rectified before the concrete goes down.

With the amount of concrete you are thinking of doing I would probarrly edge towards getting a professional company to do the job over doing it yourself. I would make sure they have a builders licence and check to make sure it is valid. I would also ask for examples of their work and go and see the people they give you.

Dave

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/48102#Comment_48102

Thank you @Dave-1 @MitchellMc

I am going to borrow your own words to answer and ask questions again.

Removing Australian natives - Check with your local council for the ruling, there are usually fines if the tree is removed outside allowances.

Answer : Checked with Arborist. They said i should not have any problem, being in my area and 1.5 meters inside my area.

Also factorin heat reflection especially being in Queensland.

Answer: I liked the idea about heat in queensland. We are still going ahead mainly for the cleanliness.

For the Area 1, If not increasing the witdth of driveway. I was thinking if this can be done like following

I saw this in my neighbourhood.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86108#Comment_86108

Hello @Sugar

My best advice is to make sure you have it in writing. Send an email with pictures about your plans to the local inspector or council arborist explaining what you are planning to do. They should email you back with either instructions or at least an email indicating that your plans are within council rules. It's one thing when its being said verbally and another when it is an official written response. You will at least have proof should you ever get inspected and asked about the alterations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108372#Comment_108372

Afternoon @Sugar

100% agree with @EricL , something in writing and following a process will help you out long term. I know my local council uses google maps to be able to show developments on peoples blocks 🙂 Yeah I was surrprised but really it makes life easy for the council to see what has happened.

Comes down to your call as its your responsibility. I would strongly suggest to get a professional to do the concreteing and that way some of the questions thathave been raised should dissapear.

Dave

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121474#Comment_121474

@Dave-1 @EricL @MitchellMc

Many thanks to you guys. I have stopped this and I have planned to reach out to Gold Coast City Council to see if that is approved. And, I totally agree on what you guys said, get them writing on paper or email. Thank you guys.

Better to be safe than sorry.

And Yes @Dave-1 It makes sense to get professional to do the concreting, after all it is also about the finishing and proper work.

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