Retaining Wall Information Sheet (PDF 110 KB) - City of Armadale

Responsibility for ConstructionThe owner who alters the natural lie of the land is responsible to provide a retainingwall. However, where both property owners alter the levels, they would be jointlyresponsible. Each landowner has an obligation to retain soil where necessaryresulting from earthworks on his/her property. Adjoining owners who have bothundertaken earthworks are advised to attempt to negotiate a proportional baseagreement when retaining walls are required along common boundary for dividingfencing or landscaping works.The sharing of costs for the retaining is a civil matter that must be negotiatedbetween neighbours. If both parties cannot reach an agreement as to who isresponsible for retaining the difference in ground levels it may be necessary to seeklegal advice.Retaining walls are not covered in the Dividing Fence Act.Gosnells Community Legal Centre Inc. provides mediation services for resolvingneighbourhood disputes; their website address is www.gosclc.com.au.Is Council Building Licence Approval Required?A building license is required where a proposed retaining wall (greater than or equalto) ≥ 500 mm in height or located within 1m of a boundary.When the wall is situated on a common boundary, neighbours consent is required.For retaining walls (greater than or equal to) ≥1000 mm in height the City requiresthat such walls are designed by a Structural Engineer, therefore applications are tobe accompanied by signed Structural Engineer’s drawings.Positioning of Dividing Fences and Retaining WallsA dividing fence up to 1800mm high can be positioned on the higher side of aretaining wall which abuts a common boundary.Retaining walls abutting a common boundary are to be constructed entirely withinone property; they are not permitted to straddle the boundary.Building license submission requirements for retaining walls click here.For further information contact the Building Department.City of ArmadaleAdministration Office: 7 Orchard Avenue, ArmadaleMail: Locked Bag No. 2, WA Armadale 6992Tel: (08) 9399 0111 Fax: (08) 9399 0184www.armadale.wa.gov.auinfo@armadale.wa.gov.au