Fences and retaining walls

Depending on the proposed development, you can build a fence or retaining wall:

  • on a common boundary
  • within your property boundary
  • as per a planning approval
  • as per a siting discretion approval when the structure is more than 2m high.

If you want to build a fence on a boundary, and there are no current survey pegs, a professional land surveyor may need to survey the property.

Who pays for a fence or retaining wall on a boundary

We do not provide advice on this matter.

For advice, information and mediation services, see the Department of Justice and Attorney General.

For information on legal matters relating to the use of land, see Legal Aid Queensland.

Fences

You need a building approval where the fence is part of a pool fence or over 2m above natural ground level.

Fence heights on corner allotments

Extra height restrictions apply for the fencing of a corner allotment. We recommend seeking further advice before you start work. For more information, see Development application process.

We may specify fence height when it’s a condition of a development approval, such as Material Change of Use for units, a commercial development or subdivision.

Image is of a diagram showing height restrictions for fences on a corner allotment.

Fencing styles

Fencing styles should support the character of the location and blend with the surrounding streetscape.

We do not regulate the style of fencing on residential properties, but there are guidelines for heritage-listed properties.

For more information, see Heritage fences.

Dividing fences

Dividing fence disputes are outside our jurisdiction.

For more information, see Dividing fences.

Retaining walls

Guidelines and processes for retaining walls depend on individual situations.

You need a building approval to build a retaining wall if any of the following apply:

  • The retained fill is higher than 1m above the wall's natural ground surface.
  • The wall is within 1.5m of a building or another retaining wall.
  • There’s a load or surcharge above the retaining wall, such as a driveway, batter or building.   

A licensed building certifier can process this approval.

Operation works permit

You may also need to submit a development application for an operational works permit. This is often a condition of a related approval, such as a Material Change of Use or Reconfiguration of a Lot.

For more information, call us on 131 872 and ask to speak with the Duty Development Engineer.

Building over or near Council infrastructure

If your proposed retaining wall is near or over Council infrastructure, you may be asked to submit an application to us.

Call us on 131 872 and ask to speak to the Water and Waste Infrastructure Service section. They can confirm approval requirements.

For more information on building over or near infrastructure, see Queensland Development Code mandatory part 1.4.

Siting discretion

If your proposed fence is on top of a retaining wall and the combined height is more than 2m above natural ground level, you may also need a siting discretion approval.

For more information, call us on 131 872 and ask to speak to the building compliance team.

Image is of a diagram indicating when building approval and siting discretion approval is required for retaining walls. It includes the text: Where a fence is installed on of a retaining wall located within 1.5m of a property boundary line, and the combined height of the structure exceeds 2m (even where the retaining wall is less than 1m) a building approval is required. You may also need to get a separate Siting Discretion approval from Council.

Applying for a building approval

You can lodge an application through a licenced building certifier. They'll take you through the application requirements.

Provide as much detail as possible in your application, including supporting reasons for your request.

To find out what documents you need to provide, see the Retaining Walls Class 10b Checklist(PDF, 145KB).

For advice on how to complete the application form, see the DA form guide: Forms 1 and 2.

Online (preferred)

  1. Go to the online customer service portal.
  2. Register an account per business or person to track your application’s progress.
  3. Complete the online application form: DA Form 2.
  4. Complete the online Retaining Walls Class 10b Checklist.
  5. Provide the required documents listed on the checklist.
  6. Pay the application fee in line with our fees and charges.

For more information about using the portal, see Development application process.

Email

  1. Complete the application form: DA Form 2.
  2. Complete the Retaining Walls Class 10b Checklist(PDF, 145KB).
  3. Provide the required documents listed on the checklist.
  4. Send your completed application to development@tr.qld.gov.au.
  5. We’ll send you a request for payment in line with our fees and charges.

In person

  1. Print and complete the application form: DA Form 2.
  2. Print and complete the Retaining Walls Class 10b Checklist(PDF, 145KB).
  3. Gather the required documents listed on the checklist.
  4. Apply in person at your local Customer Service Centre.
  5. Pay the application fee in line with our fees and charges.

Assessing your application

After you submit your application, we'll do a site inspection of the property.

We'll assess the proposal in your application and advise you of the outcome.

You must have all necessary approvals in place before starting any work.

Related information

You can also access referral agency forms online through our customer service portal. The relevant forms are:

  • Referral agency response - discretion/concession
  • Referral agency response - Planning Scheme.
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