Retaining wall permits in Victoria.

The 1 metre rule

In Victoria, a retaining wall more than 1 metre high generally needs a building permit, and it will need an engineer's design. The permit is issued by a registered building surveyor — either a private surveyor or your council's.

When a lower wall can still need one

• It's close to a boundary and the ground level is being changed
• It's holding up a building, driveway, pool or other load
• It's in or near an easement or drainage line
• Your estate's design guidelines or a planning overlay control it

If you're unsure, ask a building surveyor before you build. It's far cheaper than knocking down a non-compliant wall.

Drainage and your neighbours

You can't redirect water onto a neighbour's land. Wall drainage needs to go to a legal point of discharge — usually the property's stormwater system — and your council can confirm where that is. If you're building on or near a shared boundary, agree the wall, cost and access with your neighbour in writing first.

Who pays for a boundary retaining wall?

As a general rule, whoever changed the natural ground level is responsible for retaining it. In new estates that's often the owner who cut or filled their block. For shared walls, it's a matter of agreement — get it in writing. For disputes, the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria is a free starting point.

How we help

At the measure we'll tell you whether your wall is likely to need a permit, organise engineering if it does, and build to the engineer's design. This is general information, not legal advice — your building surveyor has the final say.

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