PLANNING APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
RETAINING WALLS
This fact sheet is intended as a guide for the standard of information and plans required to
assess planning applications for retaining walls.
A retaining wall is:
'Any structure which prevents the movement of soil in order to allow ground levels of different
elevations to exist adjacent to each other' (Private Property Local law 2007).
A planning application is required for retaining walls where:
Variations to the 'acceptable development' provisions of the R-Codes are being
sought (e.g. height of the wall)
Retaining wall exceeds 500mm in height from natural ground level
Excavation of a site and forward of the street setback line exceeds 500mm (except
where providing access for pedestrians or vehicles or natural light for a dwelling)
Retaining wall is proposed on a property listed on the Register of Heritage Sites
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR A PLANNING APPLICATION:
1.
Completed planning application form:
Signed by each owner of the property
2.
Site Feature Survey - Three copies - Scale 1:200 undertaken by a licensed land
surveyor showing:
North point
Street names
Cadastral boundaries
Existing floor levels
Existing levels of site
3.
Site plan - Three copies - Scale 1:200 showing:
Proposed top of wall levels
Location of proposed retaining wall in relation to lot boundaries
4.
Plans - Three copies - Scale 1:100 showing:
Elevation of proposed retaining wall/s
5.
Additional Information (where applicable)
Written justification for variations to the Acceptable Development Standards of the
R-Codes
TOW: 11.00
TOW: 11.00
TOW: 11.00
Please Note:
All retaining walls are to be
located wholly within the
property, and are not to
straddle the boundary.
FFL: 11.00
TOW: 10.70
11.50
Example of a Site Plan
Note:
Neighbour consultation may also be required where variations to the acceptable
standards of the R-Codes could adversely affect the amenity of an adjoining property.
A Building Permit is also required for retaining walls exceeding 500mm.
FEES AND CHARGES:
Fees and charges apply to applications for planning approval. Please refer to the Fee
Schedule for the appropriate fees and charges to accompany your application.
A copy of the fee schedule is available for viewing at www.cambridge.wa.gov.au (Services>
Planning and Design> Fees) or contact Planning Services on 9347 6000.
Reviewed 20/12/2010