Do You Need Council Approval for a Retaining Wall in Perth?
Updated October 2026
Usually, once a wall retains more than 0.5 metres. The City of Joondalup says no building permit is needed for walls retaining no more than 0.5 m (with conditions). The City of Wanneroo requires one above 500 mm. Boundary walls, tiered walls and walls over 0.5 m can also trigger planning rules, so always check with your council first.
This is general information from council publications, not legal advice. Rules change and every site is different, so always confirm with your local government. We check with yours as part of every quote.
The 0.5 metre line
Across Perth councils the key number is 0.5 m (500 mm) of retained ground. Below it, a simple wall often needs no building permit. Above it, a permit is usually needed and taller walls often need engineering drawings.
| Council | What its published information says |
|---|---|
| City of Joondalup | No building permit needed when the wall retains no more than 0.5 m, isn't associated with other building work or protecting adjoining land, and doesn't affect land that needs consent (Retaining Walls fact sheet, 2023). |
| City of Wanneroo | A building permit is required where a retaining wall exceeds 500 mm in height. |
| City of Stirling | No development approval needed for retaining up to 0.5 m that meets its height and setback table. Retaining or fill more than 0.5 m above natural ground level on the boundary needs a development application (Retaining Walls information sheet). |
Boundary walls
- Across the boundary. The City of Joondalup requires form BA20 with the building permit application, and walls can only cross a boundary with an agreement between the affected neighbours.
- Privacy screens. Joondalup notes that a wall higher than 0.5 m that isn't next to the boundary may need a 1.6 m privacy screen.
- Planning. Separate from the building permit, a development (planning) application may be needed depending on height and setback.
Northern suburbs and their councils
- City of Joondalup: Joondalup, Duncraig, Ocean Reef, Kingsley, Greenwood, Woodvale, Padbury, Craigie, Heathridge, Currambine, Marmion and more
- City of Stirling: Balcatta, Carine, Osborne Park, Yokine and more
- City of Wanneroo: Alexander Heights, Marangaroo, Girrawheen and more
How we handle it
At the measure we work out the retained height, where the wall sits relative to the boundary and whether it's tiered. Before we book the job we confirm what your council needs, and we arrange engineering where the height or the council requires it. You won't find out halfway through the build.
Questions
Is a 500 mm wall exempt?
Wording differs. Joondalup's exemption is for walls retaining no more than 0.5 m, and Wanneroo requires a permit where a wall exceeds 500 mm. Other conditions apply, so confirm with your council.
Do tiered walls count as one?
Councils can look at tiered walls together, depending on spacing. It's one of the things we check before booking the job.
Who applies for the permit?
We tell you what's needed and arrange engineering where required. Talk to us at the measure about how you'd like the application handled.
Get a free quote
Leave your name, phone and email and we'll call you back to book a free on-site measure. You'll get one fixed price in writing.
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