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Simplifying Your Council Approval
Understanding NSW Regulations
for Retaining Walls and Structural Landscaping
Transforming your outdoor space is exciting, but navigating the regulations and approvals process can be daunting. With over 30 years of experience in the field, we’re here to simplify that journey for you. We offer professional site inspections, tailored advice, and comprehensive guidance to help you navigate the requirements for your project, ensuring you are well-prepared as you move forward.
With our support, you'll gain valuable insights that can prevent frustrating delays, allowing your landscaping project to progress smoothly from start to finish.
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Expert Guidance and Support
Structural Landscaping Experts
With over 30 years of experience, we are specialists in retaining walls and structural landscaping. We offer valuable guidance for planning and approvals, ensuring that your project progresses smoothly and successfully.
Site Inspections and Tailored Advice
Our team offers thorough site inspections to assess your property’s specific requirements. We’ll provide clear insights into what’s needed for your project, helping you plan effectively and avoid delays.
Professional
Connections
We can connect you with a network of trusted specialists, including arborists, geotechnical engineers, town planners and Sydney Water consultants, should your project require these services.
Comprehensive
Service Option
For clients seeking a full-service solution, we offer a comprehensive option that handles every aspect of the planning and approval process. Coordination with all necessary parties to guarantee a smooth and streamlined experience.
Stress-Free Planning
Obtaining council approval is often required for structural landscaping and retaining walls.
Beginning work without the necessary approvals can lead to significant delays, costly setbacks, including fines or required modifications.
For property owners, figuring out your needs, engaging the right consultants, and navigating the council approval process can be time-consuming and frustrating, often leading to project delays
At Brick and Stone, we aim to simplify this process by providing clear guidance and connecting you with the right consultants, ensuring your project runs smoothly.
With planning and council approval in place before work commences, your project will run smoothly, helping you avoid unexpected compliance issues and additional costs.
NSW Retaining Wall Regulations FAQ
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In some cases, a retaining wall can be built without council approval. However, when it doesn’t meet exempt development requirements, an application for approval will be required.
If the retaining wall is going to be built on the property boundary, a Development Application (DA) and Construction Certificate (CC) must be approved before any works commence, regardless of the height of the wall, or whether you’re replacing an existing retaining wall or building a new one.
Our comprehensive service takes the stress out of the approvals process. For an initial consultation and advice on your site-specific approval requirements, contact us today
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Retaining walls can be constructed under Exempt Development (meaning no approval is required) on residential properties when certain criteria are met.
In NSW, the general criteria of an exempt retaining wall include, but are not limited to, the following:
Less than 600mm above or below ground level
At least one metre from any boundary line, easement, sewer, or water mains
Separated from any other retaining wall or structure on the property by at least 2 metres
Not affect any heritage item and/or environmentally sensitive area
Not built on a flood control area
At least 40 metres from any natural water body
We strongly recommend that you seek professional advice, or contact your council to make sure your retaining wall can be constructed as an Exempt Development, OR obtain the necessary approvals.
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If your proposed retaining wall does not meet the required standards for exempt development, you may be able to build it as a Complying Development. This means that your development can go through a fast-tracked planning and building approval process that councils or private certifiers assess. Certification by an engineer may also be required. This process doesn't require council approval, and neighbours don't need to be notified of your project.
In NSW, the general criteria of a complying retaining wall include, but are not limited to, the following:
Must not be located over a registered easement
If less than 1 metre from boundary, maximum wall height 1 metre
If between 1.5-2 metres from boundary, maximum wall height 2 metres
If greater than 2 metres from boundary, maximum wall height 3 metres
If more than 600mm above or below ground level, are contained by a structural support
Is separated from any other retaining wall or structural support on the site by at least 2 metres
For help navigating the retaining wall approval process and retaining wall regulation in NSW, contact us today -
In some cases, repairs can be carried out without approval, depending on how much of the wall needs repairing and the extent of the repairs.
We offer an onsite assessment, and we can speak with council about the specifics of your project on your behalf, to confirm if the works need engineering or council approvals.
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The wall must be constructed wholly within your property boundaries and not be proposed along the centreline of the boundary. The design and plans for your retaining walls should be discussed with a Licensed Structural Landscaper.
If council approval is required, we can work with a site surveyor and/or structural engineer to prepare the plans needed for your council application.
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Masonry Fences can be constructed under Exempt Development (meaning no approval is required) on residential properties so long as certain criteria are met.
In NSW, the general criteria of an exempt fence include, but are not limited to, the following:
Side and rear boundary fences must not be higher than 1.8 metres, or higher than 1.2 metres if the fence is built from masonry
Fences along a boundary of or in the setback area of a primary or secondary road must not be taller than 1.2 metres (this includes the front of the site and any side boundary on corner sites)
Fences along the boundary with or within the setback area to a secondary road must:
- Be at least 20% transparent, above 400 mm
- Not have solid piers or posts wider than 350 mmCorner sites can however, have solid fences up to 1.8 metres in height along the rear 50% of the secondary frontage
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Our FAQ are a guide only to help you understand some of the retaining wall rules in NSW. Please note that this information is subject to change.
This FAQ does not contain all the information relevant to every property in NSW. You should refer to the relevant planning controls before beginning work, or seek professional advice on how the planning controls apply to your property.
The majority of the development that can be done as exempt or complying development in NSW are identified in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.
This FAQ is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (Aug 2022).
Speak to your council or contact us today for help with understanding NSW Legislation for retaining walls, and the retaining wall approval process.
“From the beginning, we were impressed by Frank’s quiet confidence and manner, time spent discussing our requirements, and giving a fair quote. It was a complex job working with engineers and the strata committee, finding solutions to the growing tree roots as their damage was unearthed. We are delighted with Frank’s work - he has always been professional, neat, and polite, and a thorough gentleman.”
Richard & Lindsay Banks
Manly
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