Council approval for retaining walls
Some retaining walls need building approval before they go in. We work out whether yours does, and if it does, we organise the engineering and approval as part of the job.
When does a retaining wall need approval?
In Queensland, a retaining wall generally needs building approval if it's over 1 metre high, within 1.5 metres of a building or another retaining wall, or carrying extra load such as a driveway, pool or shed. Those walls also need RPEQ engineering.
Lower walls can still be affected by other things: easements, sewer and stormwater lines, flood and overland flow areas, and neighbours' boundaries. The rules are set by the state, but Brisbane City Council, Redland City Council and Logan City Council each have their own local requirements.
We check all of this at the site visit. If approval is needed, we get the RPEQ drawings done, lodge the approval and keep you updated until it comes through.
What we handle for you
Site check
We measure the wall height, distance to buildings and anything sitting above it.
Engineering
An RPEQ engineer designs the wall and certifies the drawings.
Lodging
We lodge the building approval with a certifier and follow it through.
Building to plan
We build to the approved drawings, so it passes inspection.
Approval questions
If yours isn't here, give us a call.
Do I need council approval for a retaining wall in Brisbane?
Usually yes if the wall is over 1 metre high, sits within 1.5 metres of a building or another wall, or holds up extra load like a driveway, pool or shed. Those walls need RPEQ engineering and building approval. Lower walls can still be affected by easements, sewer lines and overland flow. We'll check this when we come out, and organise the drawings and approval if you need them.
What happens if a wall is built without approval?
Unapproved walls that needed approval can cause problems when you sell, and council can ask for them to be fixed or removed. It's much easier to do it properly the first time.
Does approval add a lot of time?
It adds some time before we start on site. We'll give you a realistic timeline with your quote.
Got a job in mind?
We'll come out, have a look and give you a free written quote.