Retainer Walls and Incidental Structures

Incidental structures that are not associated with a building are exempt under the Building Act. Works that are exempt must still be built to comply with the applicable standards. (Building Act s.37)

Retainer walls for a building > 500mm high require a building permit, and will need structural engineer design.

Posts, flagpoles, etc that are associated with a building, require a building permit, and will need structural engineer design.

Examples

  • A freestanding post for a shade sail at your house needs a building permit.
  • A windmill on a station is not associated with a building, so is exempt.
  • A retainer wall in a park, or a boardwalk at a beach, is not associated with a building, so is exempt under the Building Act.

*There may be other approvals required, and ALL building work must be built to a suitable standard.

 

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