Building Permits for Retaining Walls

Overview

The building permit process for retaining walls involves three parties: the structural engineer (designs the wall), the building surveyor (issues the permit and conducts inspections), and the licensed builder (constructs the wall). Here's how the process works in each state.

Victoria

When a Permit is Required

Under the Building Regulations 2018, a building permit is required for retaining walls that are:

• Over 0.6m in height on or near a property boundary
• Over 1.0m in height in most other locations
• Supporting a surcharge load (driveway, building, pool) regardless of height

Some Melbourne metropolitan councils have additional requirements. Always confirm with your local council's building department.

The Process

1. Engage a structural engineer — obtain engineering drawings, calculations, and certificate of compliance ($600+GST from RetWall)
2. Engage a building surveyor — private or municipal. Submit engineering documents + site plan
3. Permit issued — typically 1–3 weeks. Cost: $500–$1,200
4. Construction by licensed builder — must hold VBA registration for structural works
5. Inspections — building surveyor inspects before concrete pour and on completion
6. Certificate of final inspection — closes the permit

New South Wales

When Approval is Required

NSW uses a different approval pathway. Retaining walls may require:

• Development Application (DA) — submitted to council, includes assessment against LEP and DCP
• Complying Development Certificate (CDC) — faster pathway through a private certifier if the wall meets certain criteria
• Exempt development — walls meeting strict criteria (typically <0.6m, away from boundaries, no surcharge) may be exempt

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 sets the general framework, but each council's LEP and DCP may impose additional requirements.

For a NSW-specific breakdown, see our guide on DA vs CDC for retaining walls.

The Process

1. Check with council — confirm whether DA, CDC, or exempt development applies
2. Engage structural engineer — obtain engineering documentation
3. Lodge application — DA through council (4–8 weeks) or CDC through private certifier (1–3 weeks)
4. Construction by licensed builder — NSW Fair Trading licence required
5. Inspections — critical stage inspections as required by the certifier
6. Occupation certificate — issued on completion

Queensland

When Approval is Required

Under the Building Act 1975 and associated regulations:

• Retaining walls over 1.0m in height generally require a building development application
• Walls associated with a building (pool, driveway, building pad) may require approval at lower heights
• QBCC-licensed builder required for construction

The Process

1. Engage structural engineer — RPEQ-registered engineer required for certification in Queensland
2. Submit building development application — through council or private building certifier
3. Approval issued — typically 2–4 weeks
4. Construction by QBCC-licensed builder
5. Inspections and final certificate

South Australia

When Approval is Required

Under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016:

• Development approval typically required for walls over 1.0m in height
• Walls on or near boundaries may have lower triggers depending on the development plan
• Both planning consent and building rules consent may be required

Tasmania

When Approval is Required

Under the Building Act 2016:

• Building permit required for retaining walls over 0.6m on or near a boundary
• Walls over 1.0m generally require a permit regardless of location
• Individual councils may have additional planning requirements

Documents You'll Need

Frequently Asked Questions