If you are planning to build a retaining wall, one of the first questions that comes up is whether you can handle your own council approval. The short answer is yes, it is possible. But as many Adelaide homeowners find out, the process can be time-consuming, technical, and frustrating if you have not done it before. That is why at Fresh Retaining Walls, we take care of the council approval process for you, saving you the stress and hassle of dealing with back-and-forth paperwork.
Whether you are building concrete sleeper retaining walls or bluestone rock retaining walls, council approval is often required to ensure your structure is safe, compliant, and properly engineered.
Why Council Approval Is Important
Retaining walls are built to hold back soil that would otherwise shift or erode. Because of this, they can have a significant effect on surrounding land, drainage, and even neighbouring properties. Council approval exists to make sure your wall is designed to handle the pressure and is constructed safely.
A retaining wall that is built incorrectly can collapse and cause serious damage or injury. Professional retaining wall builders Adelaide residents trust, like Fresh Retaining Walls, ensure that every wall meets engineering standards and complies with South Australian regulations.
What You Need for Council Approval
If you decide to do your own council approval, you will need to prepare several documents and meet specific requirements. These typically include:
• Two sets of engineering drawings certified by a structural engineer
• A current Certificate of Title from the Lands Titles Office
• Two copies of your builder’s site plan showing wall heights and locations
• A building certifier to carry out inspections during construction
• Council application forms and fees, with approval times averaging around 8 to 10 weeks
It is also worth noting that different councils in Adelaide and regional South Australia may have additional requirements. Always check with your local council before starting any retaining wall project.
When Council Approval Is Required
In South Australia, you usually need council approval for a retaining wall that:
• Is over 1 metre high
• Is built near or on a property boundary
• Has a wall and fence combination exceeding 2.1 metres in total height
• Is located within 1 metre of another structure or wall
• Is built over an easement or near essential services like water mains or sewer lines
A retaining wall must also be designed to prevent water from flowing into neighbouring properties, which is another reason engineering and approvals are so important.
Why Let Fresh Retaining Walls Handle It for You
While you can apply for council approval yourself, most property owners prefer to leave it to experienced retaining wall contractors who understand the process inside and out. At Fresh Retaining Walls, we work directly with retaining wall engineers Adelaide councils recognise and respect.
Our team manages the entire approval process from start to finish. We organise the engineering, prepare the documentation, submit the application, and coordinate with council assessors. This saves you weeks of waiting and avoids common delays caused by missing information or incorrect forms.
By letting our team handle your council approval, you get peace of mind knowing your project is compliant and ready to build as soon as possible.
Safe, Compliant and Built to Last
Retaining walls are an investment in both the look and stability of your property. Choosing experienced retaining wall builders ensures your project is built right the first time. We specialise in concrete sleeper retaining walls and bluestone retaining walls, designed to meet all structural and safety standards required by Adelaide councils.
If you are looking for the best retaining walls Adelaide has to offer, Fresh Retaining Walls provides professional design, engineering, and construction services backed by years of experience.
Talk to The Retaining Wall Experts
If you are unsure about council approval or need help getting your retaining wall project started, contact Fresh Retaining Walls today. We make the process simple by handling everything from engineering to council submissions and construction.
Save yourself the stress of dealing with paperwork and let The Retaining Wall Experts take care of it for you.
👉 Contact us for a free quote or site assessment.