Retaining walls

Unlike most other structures, retaining walls in residential zones may require planning approval depending on the type of dwelling — not just the zone.

You can check your property’s zoning, R-Code and whether a Local Development Plan applies using the City’s Online Mapping System.

Check your zoning

Checklist

This checklist is applicable to all additions to residential development including but not limited to patios, outbuildings (sheds), carports, retaining walls, house extensions. All development applications must be accompanied by a completed and signed checklist PDF (see step 3). Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items. 

Information to include on your plans

The essential details include:

Site feature survey

To a scale (not less than 1:200) including street verge showing existing:

• Contours at 0.5m intervals extending past property boundaries; 
• Relevant spot levels; location and finished floor levels of adjoining buildings; 
• All structures, including buildings and retaining walls; 
• Trees on the site in addition to street trees and other fixtures (bus stops, power poles, traffic islands etc); and 
• Location of adjoining buildings. 

Proposed full site plan to a scale

To a scale not less than 1:200 showing: 

• Site dimensions, scale bar, north point, lot boundaries and existing contours and levels;
• Proposed buildings and existing buildings to be retained on the site; 
• Setback distances of buildings from the boundaries of the site; 
• Position and finished levels of all proposed buildings, walls, fences, retaining walls and other structures; 
• Location and dimensions of driveways, crossovers, pedestrian accessways and parking spaces; 
• Structures and trees to be demolished or removed; 
• Areas to be landscaped; 
• Proposed finished ground levels over the site; 
• Location, height (relative to natural ground level) and length of all existing and proposed retaining walls. 

Floor plans

To a scale of not less than 1:100 of the internal layout of each floor / building showing: 

• Use / purpose of all areas / rooms; 
• Location of external doors and windows; 
• The line of any upper floors clearly indicated over the lower floor plan; and 
• The finished floor levels of each floor of the building. 

Elevations

To a scale of 1:100 of all buildings showing: 

• Existing natural ground levels, wall heights and roof heights relating to the established datum (AHD); 
• Proposed finished floor levels and ground levels; 
• Location of openings and if openings are clear glass or obscure glass; 
• The external appearance of the building; and 
• The external appearance and height of any proposed fencing forward of the building line. 

Stormwater drainage plan

Showing: 

• Size, location and capacity of soakwells, or other measures for on-site stormwater retention; and 
• Provision of grated trafficable lids for soakwells located within vehicular accessways or driveways. 

Colours and materials schedule

Showing: 

• Schedule of all external finishes and materials of the development including roof, walls, windows, fencing, and driveway materials and colours. 

Other

Written justification for variations to the acceptable development provisions of the R-Codes or Council Policies, if applicable (optional). 

For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to the Development (Planning) Approval page.

Documents to prepare and submit

All development applications must be accompanied by a completed checklist. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.  

Download, complete and sign the Development (planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (see below).

How to submit your application

To apply, choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:

• Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
• Option 2 – In person: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then submit it with all supporting documentation including the checklist at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
• Option 3 – By post: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then mail it with all supporting documentation including the checklist to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.

Fees

View current planning fees

Planning assessment timeframes

The City of Wanneroo assesses planning (development) applications, within the following timeframes:

• Up to 60 days for most applications;
• Up to 90 days if consultation with the public (neighbours) or other public authority is required. 

In many cases, straightforward applications that meet all planning requirements are approved sooner than these timeframes. The assessment timeframe begins after:

• You have submitted a complete application; and
• The City formally accepts it for assessment.

Planning approval (if required) must be issued before you can apply for a building permit.

Development (Planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (PDF) Development (Planning) Approval Application Form (PDF)

A building permit is required for retaining walls that:

• Exceed 500mm in height.
• Are an addition to an existing retaining wall.
• Are part of a tiered (terraced) wall system where the total combined height exceeds 500mm.

A building permit is not required for:

• Planter boxes.
• Retaining walls used to create public open space.
• Retaining walls used to create drainage sumps.

You have two ways to apply:

Option 1 – Certified application (BA1 form)

Includes a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) prepared by a registered private building surveyor. 

You will need to complete and submit the following: 

• Application for building permit - certified (BA1) form.
• Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
• Development approval (if required).
• Street and verge bond permit application.

Option 2 – Uncertified application (BA2 form)

We assess and certify your application as part of our process. You do not need to arrange a private surveyor.

You will need to complete and submit the following: 

• Application for Building Permit – Uncertified (BA2) form.
• Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
• Site plan drawn to a minimum scale of 1:200, showing the location of the proposed structure, setbacks from lot boundaries and other structures, finished floor levels and site levels. 
• Building plans and elevation including floor plans, elevations and sections.
• Construction details and specifications demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).
• Structural engineering details and certifications.
• Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment and construction requirements (if applicable).
• Any other reports or certifications required to demonstrate NCC compliance.
• Street and verge bond permit application.
• Development approval (if required).

Documents to prepare

For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe, and fees, refer to Building Permit page. 

How to submit your application

You can submit your Building Permit application:

• Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
• Option 2 – In person: With all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
• Option 3 – By mail: With all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.

Note: All owners of the land must be listed on the application.

Fees

View current building fees

Timeframes

• Certified applications: within 10 business days.
• Uncertified applications: within 25 business days.

If further information is required, you will be contacted. The requested information must be provided within 21 days or within an agreed timeframe.

Each landowner is responsible for retaining soil on their own property when earthworks create a change in ground level.

Where adjoining owners have both carried out earthworks, they are encouraged to negotiate a proportional cost-sharing agreement for any retaining wall required along a shared boundary.

If an agreement cannot be reached through mediation or arbitration, the matter becomes a civil issue between landowners. The City does not intervene in retaining wall disputes.

Diagram showing cost-sharing responsibilities between two adjoining properties (Owner A and Owner B) with a retaining wall on the boundary, illustrating each owner’s responsibility to retain soil to the natural ground level.

If the City determines that a retaining wall is structurally inadequate, the property owner must engage a qualified structural engineer to assess and recommend corrective action.

The cost of the engineer’s services and any remedial work is the responsibility of the owner.

When retaining walls are constructed close to a property boundary, they can encroach on or adversely affect adjoining land.

For example, if the wall footing extends beyond your property line, or if the wall reduces soil bearing capacity on the higher side.

Under the Building Act 2011, if your proposed works affect adjoining land, you must obtain written consent from the neighbouring owner and provide this consent as part of your Building Permit application.

For more information, refer to Building and Energy’s advice on Work Affecting Other Land.

Diagram showing that dividing fences must be placed on the higher ground level of a retaining wall along a common boundary.

Two diagrams showing standard and terraced retaining wall arrangements, each with a 500mm step between levels.