More red tape? No thank you. Look, it might feel tempting to skip approvals and “just get on with it” when you’re building a retaining wall, deck, or landscaping structure. But on the Sunshine Coast, regulations exist for a reason. Ignoring them can leave homeowners with big problems down the track.
From neighbour disputes to council fines, the risks far outweigh the hassle of getting things done properly. Let’s look at what can actually happen if you sidestep the rules.
Council Can Force You to Remove or Rebuild Under Landscaping Regulations Sunshine Coast
Compliance notices and fines
If your wall or structure doesn’t meet setback, height, or engineering requirements, Sunshine Coast Council can issue a notice to comply. In some cases, this means you need to pay a fine. In other cases, it may mean you need to pull the wall down entirely and start again at your own cost.
Rebuilding costs can be higher than doing it right the first time
Fixing non-compliant work usually means you need to hire engineers, get retroactive approvals, and redo major elements. It all adds up to a pile of unnecessary expenses.
Neighbours May Lodge Complaints
Drainage and soil movement
You are responsible for what happens on your land. So, if your landscaping affects how water drains or how soil is retained, neighbours can file formal complaints. This often leads to council involvement and potential legal disputes.
Boundary disputes
If you build a wall or fence too close to the boundary without proper approval, you could create ongoing tension. Under the Dividing Fences Act, you may even end up liable for costs that could have been avoided. It’s so important to follow the rules because if you don’t, that decision could come back to bite you, as they say!
You Could Be Liable for Damage
Here are a few ways not complying with the rules can affect you.
Stormwater and structural failure
If a non-compliant wall collapses or redirects stormwater into your neighbour’s property, you may be held responsible for any resulting damage.
Insurance exclusions
Did you know that most insurers won’t cover damage caused by structures that weren’t approved or built to code? Do you really want to foot the bill yourself?
Problems When You Sell Your Home
Building and pest inspections
Non-compliant landscaping is often flagged during pre-purchase inspections (at least by any building inspector worth his salt). Any buyer has the right to demand you fix the issues before settlement. If you don’t, then they are entitled to walk away from the deal.
Lower property value
Even if the sale goes ahead, unapproved structures can reduce your property’s value compared with a fully compliant home.
How to Avoid These Headaches
Work with professionals who know the rules
An experienced landscaper (you know, like we are at Greener Landscaping… a shameless plug to be sure) will design your landscaping with council requirements in mind from the beginning. This includes setbacks, drainage, wall heights, and engineering certification.
Get approvals sorted early
It’s always easier (and cheaper) to get approvals before you build rather than fix any problems afterwards. It’s like that carpentry adage: Measure twice. Cut once. But here it’s more like Plan properly. Build once. Careful preparation and compliance upfront means your landscaping project will be smooth, stress-free, and stand the test of time.
Greener Landscaping — Compliance Made Easy
At Greener Landscaping (hey, you can call us anytime to discuss any project), we don’t just build retaining walls and outdoor spaces. What we do is make sure they’re designed to last and pass council scrutiny. That way, you can enjoy your investment with confidence, not worry about knock-backs, fines, or angry neighbours.
We’re based on the Sunshine Coast, and we love to offer free site assessments and honest advice on what approvals may be needed before construction begins.
Book your consult today. Call us on 07 4120 7807 and start your project the smart way.
