Retaining Wall Regulations Qld

What sort of council approvals do you need in Brisbane to build a retaining wall?

Does your property need a retaining wall built, or do you have an existing retaining wall that is failing?

In Queensland building a retaining wall may require council approval, depending on the specific requirements of the project.

Generally, retaining walls that are higher than 1 meter (3 feet) in height will require approval from the council.

Queensland has different local councils and each council region requires their own process when building a retaining wall.
Aesthetic Landscapes and Retaining walls works with the following local councils.
We have linked to their pages about the retaining wall requirements:

Redlands City Council – Retaining Wall Information
Brisbane City Council – Retaining Wall Information
Gold Coast City Council – Retaining wall Information
Logan City Council – Retaining Wall Information
Ipswich City Council – Retaining Wall Information


To obtain approval to build a retaining wall, you will need to submit a development application to the council and provide the following information:

• A site plan showing the location of the retaining wall on the property.
• Detailed plans and specifications for the retaining wall, including the materials to be used, the design and reinforcing elements, and the construction methods.
• A geotechnical report that assesses the soil conditions and provides information on the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
• Any other relevant information or documents that may be required by the council, such as a building approval, a surveyor’s report, or a heritage report.

The council will review the application and may request additional information or modifications to the plans before approving the project.
It is important to ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained before beginning construction on a retaining wall.
Using a registered retaining wall builder will ensure that all the correct professionals are involved in the work at each step.

Do not use a retaining wall builder that is not QBCC licensed!

All too often we attend homes that have got a retaining wall that is failing.
Yes, it was built by someone who claimed to have all the relevant qualifications but the correct approval processes were not followed and the work was not done to the standards required.
Aesthetic Landscapes and Retaining walls are QBCC Licensed
If you are looking at hiring a retaining wall builder – you can do a QBCC License search here

What Role Does a Building Certifier Have When Building A Retaining Walls

Often a building certifier and structural engineers are confused.
Both professions are involved in retaining wall builds, but they have very different roles.
A building Certifier will always be involved in the retaining wall build if you require local council approvals or permits.
A structural engineer may need to be involved for some retaining wall builds when it comes to the size/height of the wall, the location of the wall or the function that the wall is required to do.
We go on to talk more about structural engineers a little further down in the article.

A building certifier is a professional who is responsible for ensuring that a construction project complies with all relevant building codes and regulations. This includes national, state and local council building guidelines and requirements.

The building certifier is involved from the planning and design stages of the retaining wall to the construction and final completion.
During the planning and design stages, the building certifier will review the plans and drawings for the project to ensure that they meet all applicable building codes and regulations.
This may include conducting site visits to assess the feasibility of the proposed construction and providing feedback to the retaining wall builder and structural engineer to ensure that the plans are compliant.

Once the construction of the wall begins, the building certifier will continue monitoring the project to ensure it remains compliant with all applicable codes and regulations.
This could include site visits to check on the construction progress and verify that the work is being done in accordance with the approved plans.

If the building certifier identifies any issues during the construction phase. They can advise that certain aspects of the construction are to be modified or revised to meet the relevant codes and regulations.

Once the retaining wall is built, the building certifier will conduct a final inspection to verify that it complies with all applicable legislation so it can be approved.

What do structural engineers do when it comes to retaining wall plans?

Structural engineers are responsible for designing and analyzing the structural components of a retaining wall to ensure that it is safe and will perform it’s function.
They are not involved with the final building approvals. This is done by a building certifier.

Your local council will advise you if you need a structural engineer to be involved in your retaining wall.

Some of the tasks a structural engineer may be involved :

• Determining the type of wall that is appropriate for the site and the specific requirements of the project.
• Analyzing the soil conditions and load-bearing capacity of the soil.
• Calculating the forces that will be acting on the retaining wall, including the weight of the soil and any other loads that may be applied to the wall.
• Designing the retaining wall to withstand these forces, including selecting the appropriate materials and reinforcing elements such as steel beams or concrete ties.
• Developing detailed drawings and specifications for the retaining wall, including foundation details, reinforcement details, and construction methods.
• Reviewing and approving the retaining wall plans to ensure that they meet all applicable building codes and standards.
• Providing guidance and oversight during the construction process to ensure that the retaining wall is built according to the approved plans.

Geotechnical report that assesses the soil before building a retaining wall

A geotechnical report is a document that assesses the soil conditions at a site and provides information on the load-bearing capacity of the soil. It is an important tool that is used to help design and construct a retaining wall that is safe and stable.

The information gathered through these tests is used to assess the stability of the soil and to determine the appropriate design and construction methods for the retaining wall.

By analyzing the soil, engineers can determine the appropriate design and construction methods for the retaining wall, including the type and size of materials that should be used and the required reinforcing elements to ensure the stability of the wall, including drainage systems.

How is soil analyzed before building a retaining wall

Before building a retaining wall, it is important to understand the soil characteristics on which the wall will be built. This helps to ensure that the wall is properly designed and constructed for that specific area on the property.
Several methods can be used to analyze soil for a retaining wall project:

• Soil sampling: A soil sample can be taken from the site and tested in a laboratory to determine the physical and chemical properties of the soil. It can include the soil’s grain size, moisture content, and other factors that can affect the stability of the retaining wall.
• Penetration tests: Penetration tests involve driving a thin rod into the soil to measure the resistance of the soil to penetration.
• Load tests involve applying a load to the soil and measuring how much the soil deforms or settles.
• Visual inspections: A visual inspection of the site can provide information on the soil’s characteristics and any potential issues that may need to be addressed, such as the presence of rocks or other debris.

By analyzing the soil, engineers can determine the appropriate design and construction methods for the retaining wall, including the type and size of material

Getting Your Brisbane Retaining Wall Build Started

The first step in getting a retaining wall built is to call a QBCC Licensed retaining wall builder.
When they come to your home or property, they will be able to take the measurements and see where the wall is to be positioned.
They will help you get the building process started with the applications (if needed) and put you into contact with the relevant building professionals – The building certifier and if required, the structural engineer.

If you would like more information about a retaining wall for your property – Get in touch with the team at Aesthetic Landscapes and Retaining Walls – This is what we do all day and every day and we love helping Brisbane property owners to enjoy all of their yard with a retaining wall creating a better way to use the space on their land.

You can call us on – 0400-234-446 or email us at rod@alrw.com.au