RETAINING WALLS

If your retaining wall is only 200mm high, the 1 metre boundary setback rule generally does not apply—meaning you likely don’t need council approval.

Here’s how it breaks down under NSW’s Exempt Development rules:

Retaining Wall Under 600mm: Exempt Development

According to the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, a retaining wall is considered exempt development (i.e., no approval needed) if:

• It is no more than 600mm high
• It is not supporting a structure (like a fence or building slab)
• It does not redirect water onto neighbouring properties
• It is not within 1 metre of an easement or sewer line
• It is not in a heritage or environmentally sensitive area

The 1 metre setback from the boundary typically applies to excavation or fill exceeding 1 metre in depth—not to low retaining walls under 600mm  Australasian Legal Information Institute  sccert.com.au.

Your Scenario

• Wall height: 200mm → ✅ Well under the 600mm threshold
• Distance to boundary: 900mm → ✅ Close, but not disqualifying
• Distance to slab: 0mm–900mm → ✅ Acceptable if not undermining structural support

So you likely do not need to comply with the 1m rule in this case—as long as the wall is not supporting the slab or affecting drainage or neighbouring land.

Final Tips

• If the wall is purely decorative or for minor level changes, you’re likely in the clear.
• If it’s supporting the slab or altering drainage, you may need engineering advice or council input.
• Always check with your local council for site-specific rules—some councils have stricter interpretations.