Are you planning a landscaping project on the Sunshine Coast? Exciting times! If you are, then you’re in the right place, so before you jump into building a retaining wall, deck, or outdoor structure, it’s important to check the rules.
Queensland has specific regulations around structural landscaping. These are designed to keep your property safe, protect your neighbours, and ensure drainage and stability aren’t compromised. The good news? Once you understand the basics, it’s easy to plan a compliant project.
Why Landscaping Regulations Sunshine Coast Matter
Safety and stability
Regulations exist to make sure retaining walls and other structures can withstand soil pressure, water movement, and general use.
Neighbour relations
Getting approvals upfront avoids disputes over boundaries, fencing, or water runoff.
Avoiding costly mistakes
If you build without the right permissions, you may be forced to pull down or rebuild your project later. Nobody wants that. What a nightmare. Anyway, that’s why we put this little article together so you can sidestep planning problems! Let’s go…
Retaining Wall Rules in QLD
Height limits
Rules are stipulated that you have to abide by. For example:
- Retaining walls over 1 metre high usually require council approval.
- If combined with a fence, approvals may apply even at lower heights.
Location and setbacks
Walls near property boundaries often have stricter rules to protect neighbouring properties.
Drainage requirements
All retaining walls must include proper drainage, otherwise, they risk failure and can cause damage to surrounding areas.
Excavation, Drainage, and Fill
Managing stormwater
Stormwater can’t be directed into your neighbour’s property. It must be managed on your block.
Natural ground level
Approvals often depend on the original ground level, not the height after excavation or fill.
Soil conditions
Clay, sand, and rocky soil all behave differently under pressure. And that affects what approvals and engineering you’ll need.
Working Near Property Boundaries
Did you know you can be too close to your neighbour?
If a wall is built too close to a boundary without the proper approvals, the homeowner risks fines, legal disputes with neighbours, and potentially expensive rebuilds. The safest move is to involve a licensed landscaper or engineer early. They’ll design the wall within legal setbacks and handle council requirements.
I think that’s a topic for a whole new article, don’t you?
Fences and walls together
A dividing fence on top of a retaining wall often triggers stricter compliance requirements.
Rights and responsibilities
Neighbours may share costs for boundary works, but only if certain rules under the Dividing Fences Act apply. If you use Greener Landscaping, we’ll advise you on all that! (Call us on 07 4120 7807 and let’s start a conversation!)
Do You Need a Permit?
Quick approval checklist
You’ll likely need approval if your wall or structure:
- Is over 1 metre high
- Is near a boundary or easement
- Requires major excavation or fill
- Supports other structures (like a deck or fence)
When in doubt, check!
Every site is unique. If you’re unsure, contact Sunshine Coast Council or work with a licensed landscaper who can advise on what’s required.
How Greener Landscaping Makes Compliance Easy
Expert advice from the start
We design retaining walls and outdoor structures with council rules in mind, so you won’t get nasty surprises later.
Handling the process for you
From engineering paperwork to drainage solutions, we can take care of the compliance side while you focus on the design.
Ready to Build with Confidence?
If you’re planning a retaining wall or landscaping project on the Sunshine Coast, Greener Landscaping can guide you through every step… from design and approvals to construction and finishing touches.
We offer free site assessments and honest advice on what’s possible for your property.
[Contact us today] on 07 4120 7807 to book your free consultation.
