Site logistics on a tight infill block in Adelaide

A site logistics plan is a scaled site plan showing where each construction resource sits during each phase of the build. It should show the site fence, the crane pad, the material lay-down zone, the site toilet, the skip location, delivery vehicle access route, worker parking, and any temporary hoardings on the street or neighbour boundary.

On a narrow-block build, the plan cannot stay static. Different phases require different arrangements: the slab pour needs a concrete pump position; the framing phase needs timber stack space; the roof phase needs crane access; the cladding phase needs scaffolding. A good plan shows the arrangement for each phase, with dates.

If the builder does not provide a written site logistics plan as part of the contract package, ask for one. This is not an unreasonable request. Any experienced narrow-block builder has plans they can adapt to your site in an afternoon. A builder who cannot or will not produce one is likely to hit logistics problems during the build that the client will end up paying for.

On a narrow-block build with a two-storey roof or upper-floor walls to lift, a crane is typically required at least once. The crane arm swings through airspace, and on narrow sites that airspace crosses the neighbour boundary at some angle.

Legally, airspace over a neighbour property belongs to the neighbour. Swinging a crane load through that airspace without permission is technically a trespass. In practice, most Adelaide builders manage this with a polite conversation and a written note, but for larger cranes or long duration works a formal Airspace Licence agreement is prudent.

The Airspace Licence is a short legal document that grants temporary permission to use the airspace, typically for a specified duration and value of works. Solicitor fees are modest, usually a few hundred dollars per neighbour. Confirm with the builder whether a licence is required and who will prepare it.

Every South Australian building site requires a security fence around the active work area, in accordance with SafeWork SA requirements. On a narrow block this is easy to overlook until the first delivery.

The site fence must be at least 1.8 metres high and constructed of hoarding or chain-link that prevents unauthorised access. If any part of the fence sits on the road reserve (street boundary) or a footpath, a Local Government Land Occupation Permit is required from the council. Fees vary by council but are typically a few hundred dollars per month.

For street-facing infill sites, temporary hoardings sometimes need to be more elaborate. Timber solid hoardings with the builder logo, safety signage, and pedestrian awning are increasingly common on inner-city sites. Confirm with council what type of hoarding is required and factor the permit cost into the contract.

Delivery access on a narrow block is often the choke point that slows construction. Concrete trucks, brick delivery trucks, timber trucks and cladding trucks all need somewhere to park and unload. On a tight infill site the only place is often the street outside the site.

A No Parking / Working Area permit from council allows the builder to reserve a section of street parking during specified construction hours. The permit costs are modest but the process takes lead time; the builder should apply for it before site start, not during.

Worker parking is a separate issue. On tight sites in inner Adelaide, workers may need to park several streets away and walk to site. This can affect start times and productivity. Discuss with the builder whether worker transport is part of the plan, particularly for early morning starts and long weekend or after-hours works.

A construction skip is typically parked on the street outside the site during framing and lockup phases. On a narrow-block site the skip permit process is stricter, because road access must be maintained for other residents and emergency vehicles.

Council skip permits typically require the skip to be positioned at least a certain distance from intersections, driveways and pedestrian crossings; to be well-lit at night; and to be removed by a specified date. The skip contractor should manage the permit as part of the fee.

For very tight sites where no skip space exists on the street, some builders use walk-out skips carried out through the front door in wheelie bins. This is slower and typically adds a few hundred dollars per week to waste disposal costs. Confirm the approach in the site logistics plan.

The final consideration is asbestos and hazardous waste. Older homes being demolished for a new build may contain asbestos in eaves, cladding, insulation and vinyl flooring. Asbestos removal is regulated by SafeWork SA and must be undertaken by a licensed removalist. Confirm the removal contractor and cost as a specific contract line, not a provisional sum.