Introduction
You know that feeling when you look at the front of your home and suddenly realise, Yep, it’s time? The paint’s a bit tired, the weather has done its thing, and you can just imagine how good a fresh colour would make everything feel.
But then, you remember the power lines out front.
And just like that, what should be a simple upgrade becomes a maze of questions:
- Do I need a permit for this?
- Is it safe to work under those lines?
- Who handles all that council stuff?
You’re not alone. A lot of Melbourne homes sit under or near overhead power lines, especially in older suburbs. And while most painters prefer to avoid this kind of work, Melbourne City Maintenance leans right in because this is exactly the type of job we’ve become known for.
If you’re a homeowner like Sarah, juggling work, family, and a long mental checklist already, the idea of managing electrical-provider permits or traffic control probably makes you want to postpone the whole painting job another year. But that’s where we come in. We take the messy, complicated bits off your plate so you can enjoy the part that matters – a home that looks refreshed and well cared-for.
The Problem: Painting Near Power Lines Isn’t Just Painting
Painting the outside of your home sounds simple enough. Until you notice the power lines, the narrow nature strip, the busy road right in front, or the footpath that everyone in the neighbourhood seems to use at exactly the wrong time of day.
Homeowners tell us they feel a bit anxious about this. They want the job done, but they hate the idea of having to organise permits or worry about safety, and honestly, they shouldn’t have to.
Refreshing your home should be exciting, not stressful. You shouldn’t have to become an expert in traffic management or electrical safety just to repaint a front façade.
And yet, here we are. Because many painters don’t have:
- spotter licences
- traffic management tickets
- the ability to prepare traffic plans
- experience coordinating with councils or electrical providers
- enough crew to handle a complex access setup
It’s no wonder jobs like these often become “too hard” for typical painting companies.
The Guide: Melbourne City Maintenance Has the Skills, Tickets and Know-How
We’ve built a bit of a reputation for taking on the jobs others don’t want. Maybe it’s because we’ve been doing this since 2005. Or maybe it’s because we genuinely enjoy solving tricky problems on-site. Either way — when you need exterior painting permits, power-line safety, or a traffic plan, we’re the team you call.
What Makes Us Different
- Spotter Licences
Our team includes certified spotters, which means when we’re operating equipment near overhead lines, you’re fully covered. - Traffic Management Accreditation
If your home fronts a busy road or requires barriers, detours or signage, we can implement a full plan ourselves. - Permit Handling
We deal directly with energy providers and local councils so you don’t have to chase paperwork or wait on hold. - Specialist Access Equipment
Boom lifts, scissor lifts, narrow access solutions — we use the right gear and the right people to operate them. - Local Knowledge
Different councils have different rules. After working across Melbourne’s inner north for years, we know who to call, what they need and how long things tend to take.
The Plan: How We Get Your Home Painted Safely and Legally
Here’s how the whole thing unfolds step by step, so you always know exactly what’s happening.
1. Site Visit & Risk Check
We look at:
- power line clearance
- council land (verges, footpaths, nature strips)
- equipment access
- paint condition
- road or footpath impact
This is where we determine what permits or traffic measures will be needed.
2. Permit Coordination
We handle both:
- Electrical provider permits (for working near power lines)
- Council permits (if equipment or workers occupy public space)
Nothing starts until it’s safe and approved.
3. Traffic & Safety Setup
Depending on the property, this may include:
- cones, signs, pedestrian guidance
- lane closures or partial road management
- a licensed spotter
- a trained boom-lift operator
- temporary fencing or barriers
It’s not overkill — it’s simply doing the job properly.
4. Exterior Painting
Once everything is secure:
- surfaces are prepared
- gaps are filled
- Timber is repaired, sanded and primed
- High-quality paint from Haymes Paints goes on smoothly
- Finishing touches (edges, trims, details) are completed
Success: The Home You Wanted, Without the Stress You Didn’t
Picture standing on the footpath across the street from your home. The new colour just lifts everything. The façade looks clean and sharp, the trims stand out, and the whole front just feels fresher. And the best part? You didn’t have to coordinate a single permit.
Our clients tell us that once the work begins, they’re surprised by how smooth it all feels. The traffic setup is tidy. The spotter keeps everything safe. The painting team works quickly. And suddenly, the thing that felt overwhelming ends up feeling… easy.
That’s exactly how it should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you always need a permit to paint near power lines?
If the work requires access equipment or falls within a certain distance of overhead lines, yes — energy provider approval is mandatory. It’s safety first, every time.
Q: What’s a spotter, and why does it matter?
A spotter is a licensed safety professional who monitors equipment working near power lines. Without a spotter licence, a painting crew simply isn’t allowed to operate boom lifts or similar equipment in those areas.
Q: How long do permits take?
It depends on the council and the energy provider, but typically it ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. Because we do this often, we can usually estimate turnaround times accurately.
Q: Is painting near power lines more expensive?
Yes, because additional personnel, equipment, permit fees and safety processes are involved. But homeowners usually feel it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
Q: Can you handle everything for me?
Absolutely — that’s our speciality. You shouldn’t have to worry about safety, paperwork or compliance. We’ll take care of all of it.
Ready to Start? Let’s Chat.
If your home sits under or near power lines and you want the job done safely — without the stress of permits or traffic setups, we can help.
Did You Know?
Melbourne City Maintenance has been protecting properties from Melbourne’s harsh weather since 2005. We’re proud to be recommended by our clients – check out our Google reviews to see what customers say about our work.
Whether you need weatherboard repairs, comprehensive strata painting for body corporate properties, or professional commercial painters for your business, we’ve got you covered. From single-storey homes to high-rise buildings, our exterior painting and interior painting services deliver lasting results across Melbourne’s CBD and all surrounding suburbs.
We’ve completed extensive projects as painters in Northcote, painters in Thornbury, painters in Preston, painters in Clifton Hill, and painters in Fairfield, building strong relationships throughout Melbourne’s inner north.
We exclusively use Australian-owned and made paints from Haymes Paints, ensuring quality finishes that stand the test of time.
