Retaining wall regulations QLD

Key takeaways

Council approval for a retaining wall is required in Queensland if your wall is taller than 1 meter high
Your retaining wall must meet several regulations, including being a safe distance from other structures and boundary lines
Building a retaining wall without council approval can result in fines or the removal of the wall, at your expense

Does your property need a retaining wall, and you don’t know what regulations it must meet or if council approval is required? You aren’t alone! We are frequently asked about the requirements that retaining walls must meet in Queensland to ensure they are safe and suitable for use. To help you learn more about retaining walls, we have included all of the regulations and when council approval is needed in our brief guide.

What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a structure built to support an excavated or filled embankment and is a common feature in sloping blocks. Retaining walls are classified as a 10b building structure (non-inhabitable) and therefore need to meet these categorised requirements in the National Building Code.

Retaining walls can be a lone structure or can be built in a staggered formation. When done well, it not only has a functional purpose but can be a striking look for your property. Retaining walls can be used as a boundary to separate two different properties.

Do I need council approval to build a retaining wall in QLD?

Typically, council approval is required when building a retaining wall in Queensland if it is more than one metre high. The rules can change depending on your local council, so it's best to speak to them directly before installing your retaining wall. When working with an experienced builder in Queensland, they will be aware of the regulations in place and can ensure that your retaining wall meets them. There might be other restrictions in place, too, depending on the heritage status of your property. Those classed as protected heritage properties will have more restrictions in place, and you should speak to your local council before proceeding.

Typically, you will need council approval for your retaining wall if it meets the following criteria:

The wall is more than 1 meter in height above ground level
The wall is closer than 1.5 meters to a building structure (including your home, shed, carport, or pool)
The surcharge loading exceeds the zone of influence in your retaining wall
The wall interferes with a neighbouring property

What are the retaining wall building regulations in QLD?

Queensland has several retaining wall regulations that must be met. These include retaining walls that do not require council approval (are lower than one meter in height). It is important that you are aware of the regulations to prevent getting approval denied or having to rebuild your wall. The regulations might vary depending on your local council, but typically, you will need to meet the following:

The retaining wall is no taller than 1 meter without acquiring building approval
The retaining wall meets the requirements of the relevant overlays
The wall has a minimum front boundary clearance of 6 meters and 1.5 meters from the back
The retaining wall meets minimum clearance for the front, side, and rear, depending on your local council's requirements
The retaining wall is built away from any infrastructure or easement (unless you have approval to do so)

Are there any exemptions to building retaining walls in QLD?

If your proposed retaining wall design fails to comply with the specifications outlined by your local council, the National Building Code and any other relevant requirements, you have two options. You can either make the necessary changes to meet standards or lodge an application to your local council to seek approval for your current design.

How flexible your council is willing to be will depend on what exemption you’re trying to get. In most cases, a minor exemption is much more likely to pass than a major one. Also, it never hurts if you have a legitimate reason for your request. Finally, we can’t stress that you should make an application before you start building rather than after. The latter approach will just annoy the very people you’re asking a favour from, which can’t help your cause.

Are there any exemptions to building retaining walls in QLD?

How do I get approval for my retaining wall in Queensland?

How you get approval for your retaining wall can vary depending on your local council, but typically, you will follow the steps outlined below:

Check with your local council whether approval is needed for your retaining wall
Complete an application form, including site and design plans of the retaining wall
Submit your application to your local council, paying any fees required
Wait for your verdict before beginning work (this can typically take a few weeks)

Before beginning work on a retaining wall, especially if it is close to a boundary line you share with a neighbour, we recommend speaking to them first. It is good to give them a heads up or discuss any potential issues the retaining wall could cause. The last thing you want is a dispute that could end up in court!

Why Use A Builder Broker?

Because your builder choice makes or breaks the entire project. And you deserve to have someone on your side who knows the industry inside-out — and isn’t afraid to keep builders honest.

Book a FREE consult with our brokerage service today.

Book A Free Consultation

How do I ensure my retaining wall is compliant with QLD regulations?

While it is possible to build a retaining wall yourself, we’d highly recommend hiring a professional unless you’ve got a high skill set. Professional contractors deal with issues like compliance and regulations day in and out and are less likely to accidentally breach any rules. Most builders will know the maximum height they can safely build a retaining wall without the need for a structural engineer.

For further reassurance, you can hire a private certifier or building inspector to examine your wall. If you’re building a new home, the retaining wall can be examined along with the inspection of the rest of your home.

How much will a building inspector cost to review my retaining wall?

The price of a building certifier or inspector varies from area to area and state to state. In Queensland, you expect a building inspector to cost between $200- $1,400, depending on your project.

Some of the factors that will play a role in the price of an inspection include:

Your location
Whether you’re in a metropolitan area or rural
The size of your home
The complexity of the inspection
Whether or not any issues are found.

Find out more about hiring building inspectors by clicking here.

What are the consequences of not gaining approval to build a retaining wall?

Building a retaining wall that breaches regulations or draws complaints from neighbours could have a range of consequences. A homeowner with an infringing wall could face warnings, and fines and be required to make necessary changes so that the retaining wall is up to code.

In severe cases, the homeowner will be legally required to completely remove the offending retaining wall at their own expense. Depending on the situation, a retaining wall that doesn’t meet council requirements can become an expensive burden. It’s, therefore, better for your safety, sanity and wallet to follow regulations or obtain building approval if required.

Find your experienced builder for your retaining wall today

When you are adding a retaining wall to your Queensland home, we recommend using a professional who can carry out all the building work and ensure that it meets regulations. Unsure of the retaining wall regulations in Queensland? Let us pair you with an experienced builder who can help you! At Buildi, we only work with the best builders in Queensland who can ensure your retaining wall meets your needs and gains council approval. Let us help you install a retaining wall today.

Recent Articles