A retaining wall is a wall or structure designed and constructed to support soil at a slope
steeper than can naturally be supported.
 
You might need a retaining wall in an area where there is a possibility adjoining land or structures could be adversely affected. This could include during the construction of a building or home, swimming pool, subdivisions of land, the erection of dividing fences or for landscaping purposes.

When is development approval required?

Depending on the location and height of your proposed retaining wall, you might need development approval from the City of Belmont. Please email building@belmont.wa.gov.au or phone the City’s Building Services team on 9477 7425 for advice.

When is a building permit required?

You will need to apply for a building permit if your proposed retaining wall is:
 

• More than 500mm high above natural ground level;
• Associated with other building work;
• Associated with the protection of land adjoining the land where the retaining wall is to be located.

How to apply for a building permit

To apply for a building permit, you will need to:
 

• Complete and submit a Form BA1 Application for a Building Permit – Certified* or Form BA2 Application for a Building Permit – Uncertified;
• A copy of receipt of payment from the Construction Training Fund for the Construction Training Industry Fund levy if the estimated value of the works exceeds $20,000;
• Submit a Form BA3 Certificate of Design Compliance from a WA registered building surveying contractor, if you are applying for a certified building permit (Form BA1);
• Provide supporting documentation, including:
  • A copy of your site plan (minimum scale 1:200) showing the location of all existing and proposed structures, proposed setbacks, existing and proposed finished ground levels, easements, etc.;
  • A copy of elevations of the proposed structure(s) (minimum scale 1:100);
  • A copy of structural engineers details;
• Pay the application fee for an uncertified application and Building Services Levy.

Due to the impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) if you are making an application for a Building Permit - Certified during the 2020-2021 financial year, the City is waiving this application fee, but the Building Services Levy is still applicable.
 
You can lodge your application:
 

• Online using the City’s Planning and Building Online Application portal;
• In person at the City of Belmont, 215 Wright Street, Cloverdale;
• By mail to City of Belmont, Locked Bag 379, Cloverdale WA 6985.

Visit the Planning and Building Online Application portal

Frequently asked questions

If you have questions about your plans for a retaining wall, you might find the answer here.

Who is responsible for constructing a retaining wall?

Each landowner has an obligation to retain soil where necessary resulting from earthworks
(excavating or filling) on their property.
 
If you and your neighbour have both undertaken earthworks, you need to come to an agreement when a retaining wall is needed along your shared boundary to work out who will pay for what proportion of the retaining wall.

Where should the retaining wall be located?

If a retaining wall is needed, the wall should be built totally within the boundaries of the property where the works are proposed.
 
If you are proposing a retaining wall which will encroach over a boundary, you will need to provide the City with written consent from all affected land owners on a Form BA20.

How high can a dividing fence be that is to be positioned on top of a retaining wall?

Unless there is a written agreement between you and your neighbour, your dividing fence should be 1.8 metres in height as per the City’s Consolidated Local Law 2020.

Useful links

To learn more about the regulations which apply to retaining walls, you might like to explore these links.
 

• DMIRS (Building and Energy)
• WA Planning Commission – Residential Design Codes

For more information, please email building@belmont.wa.gov.au or phone the City’s Building Services team on 9477 7425.