Retaining Walls and When a Building Approval is Required

Retaining walls help manage soil stability, prevent erosion, and enhance outdoor spaces. However, depending on the wall’s height, structural impact, and location, you may require a building approval to construct a retaining wall in Queensland.

When is Building Approval Required?

Retaining walls need building approval, unless they meet all the following criteria:
⦁ less than 1.0m high
⦁ further than 1.5m to a building or another retaining wall
⦁ only support the soil behind the wall, nothing above.
⦁ not part of a pool fencing
⦁ combined wall and fence height is less than 2.0m
⦁ not built over a service (sewer or stormwater)
⦁ meets structural requirements
⦁ not in an easement or covenant area
⦁ not in a waterfront or oceanfront setback area.
Walls that exceed the above criteria will require building approval and may also require Referral Agency Assessment of the local council. Thomas Sear Certification can take care of any referral requirement liaison needed for projects.

Retaining Walls and Local Council Regulations

Local councils, like City of Gold Coast Council, may have other specific policies and requirements for the construction of retaining walls, including:
⦁ A side boundary setback should be a minimum of 600mm to avoid maintenance or ownership issues with your neighbour.
⦁ Stormwater must be captured and discharged to the kerb or stormwater system and cannot be concentrated onto your neighbour’s property as a result of the work.
⦁ If your retaining wall affects you neighbour, speaking to them prior to starting the building works will ehlp avoid disputes or legal actions.
⦁ Zoning & Land Stability: Approvals may depend on zoning and geotechnical factors.

Retrospective Building Approval for Retaining Walls

If a retaining wall is built without approval, homeowners may need to apply for retrospective building approval to meet legal requirements. Here at Thomas Sear Certification, we offer services for retrospective building certification.

Talk to a Professional

Before constructing retaining walls, make sure to do your checks to determine if a building approval is required. Understanding retaining wall regulations and requirements can help avoid fines and costly modifications. Still unsure about your retaining wall project?

Talk to Thomas Sear Certification, your expert building certification provider, today.