QUESTION: RETAINING WALL BETWEEN TWO NEW PROPERTIES (VIC)

troubilly · Jan 02, 2010 12:35 pm

Hoping someone can asist here please.

I need to put in a retaining wall between a recently built house and my new house.

I understand this is my responsability and have the quotes ready to go.

My new neighbour, a good bloke, has "Demanded" steel uprights (and that the wall sits on the boundary) because it "Looks good" and he has to look at it.

Thing is the steel quote easily exceeds the timber one by over $1,200.00, which is money i just dont have.

So, the question:

To meet my LEGAL requirements, treated pine with all the drainage etc, built by a professional is enough right?

If the neighbour wants the steel for asthetic reasons, it would be fair to ask him to pay the extra?

Really hope someone can help,

Troubilly.

Djelibeybi · Jan 03, 2010 1:43 pm

troubilly

To meet my LEGAL requirements, treated pine with all the drainage etc, built by a professional is enough right?

That depends -- if the wall is higher than 1m, you need to get it engineered for approval by your council. If the engineering says that treated pine is sufficient for the load it needs to retain and the council approves your application, then you're fine. However, as you're building on the boundary, you have to notify your neighbours of your intention to build the wall, and they are able to deny this application. Your best bet is to talk to your council about the whole issue.

I learnt this from the three month process it took to get approval to build our steel and timber retaining walls.

hsv216 · Jan 03, 2010 3:41 pm

Hi Troubilly,

I am no expert on this, but I would agree, check with your local council.

I did some quick searches last night on google, but could not reply to your previous post. I did find out that in some states, if there are issues down the track, you could possibly still be held liable, even if you no longer own or live in the property.

Also if it is on the boundary, your council will be able to advise what it needs to look like, ie you may need to address the look from your neighbours side as well (like he is asking you to do). You might be able to find some info on your local council's website as well.

Sorry, but I think you are going to have to talk to your council. Also remember, like already mentioned if it is over 1m, you will need DA approvals, etc as well.

Take care and good luck!

dirkadirk · Jan 03, 2010 4:31 pm

Also I believe that if the wall is further than 1m away from the boundary and less than 1m high planning is not required. However, if the wall is on the boundary you will almost certainly require the wall to be engineered regardless of the height. Also a protection order for your neighbour may be required also.

Good luck

Dirk