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If you’re planning to build a retaining wall on your property, one of the most common questions we get is: “Do I need council approval?”

The short answer is – sometimes, yes.

Whether or not you need approval depends on the height, location, and purpose of your wall. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the rules before starting your project.

When You DON’T Need Council Approval

In most cases, you don’t need council approval if your retaining wall meets all of the following conditions:

  • The wall is 1.0 metre high or less;
  • It is not located near a property boundary or supporting a structure such as a fence, driveway, or building;
  • The wall is not part of a series of terraced walls that together exceed 1.0 metre in height;
  • Proper drainage is installed to prevent water build-up behind the wall.

If your wall meets these criteria, it is generally considered self-assessable under local council guidelines.

You can check your local retaining wall requirements at:

When You DO Need Council Approval

You’ll need council approval (and engineering certification) if any of the following apply:

  • The wall is over 1.0 metre high at any point;
  • The wall is on or near a property boundary;
  • It supports a load, such as a fence, driveway, building, or other structure;
  • You’re constructing multiple walls in tiers that together exceed 1.0 metre in height;
  • The site is in a steep, flood-prone, or unstable area.

In these cases, you’ll need a Form 15 (Design) and Form 16 (Inspection) from a qualified structural engineer, along with approval from your local council.

The Approval Process (Simplified)

If your wall requires approval, the process is straightforward – especially when handled by experienced professionals. Here’s what it usually involves:

  • Site Inspection & Design – We assess your property, slope, and soil type to create a safe, compliant wall design.
  • Engineering Certification – A structural engineer prepares a Form 15 (engineering design certificate).
  • Council Application – We submit the necessary paperwork to the relevant local council.
  • Construction & Final Certification – Once approved, we build the wall according to the certified plans. A final Form 16 inspection confirms compliance.

By letting professionals handle approvals, you can ensure your retaining wall is safe, legal, and built to last.

Why Compliance Matters

Skipping approvals may seem tempting for smaller walls, but it can lead to issues later – especially when selling your property, or if the wall fails due to poor drainage or design.

A certified and approved retaining wall:

  • Ensures long-term stability and safety,
  • Meets legal and insurance requirements, and
  • Protects your property investment.

Your Natural Stone Retaining Wall Specialists

At Retaincon, we specialise in sandstone and bush rock retaining walls across the Gold Coast, Northern NSW (Byron & Tweed), Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, and surrounding regions.

We manage the entire process – from engineering and council approvals to excavation and construction – so your wall is compliant, strong, and visually stunning.

Need help with a council-approved retaining wall?

Contact Retaincon today for expert advice and a free site inspection.