Levelling a garden

Kryt0n · Oct 05, 2005 12:55 pm

Hi All,
My wife and I have just purchased a property that has a tiered garden. However, we want to bring two of these levels to the same level (by raising the lower level) in order to make a good size lawned area.

Can anyone provide a bit of information about regulations that should be followed, or provide any guidelines? We assume we need some form or retaining wall around the fence, is that correct? Or do we just need a fence strong enough to withstand the lawn? Do we need to know of any underground plumbing or such like? We don't intend digging just throwing more dirt/sand in the area.

Any information would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Ryan

PS We live in Perth, WA

Jo · Mar 29, 2006 12:05 pm

Kryt0n

Hi All,
My wife and I have just purchased a
property that has a tiered garden.
However, we want to bring two of these levels to the same level
(by raising the lower level)
in order to make a good size lawned area.

Can anyone provide a bit of information about
regulations that should be followed,
or provide any guidelines?
We assume we need some form of
retaining wall around the fence, is that correct?
Or do we just need a fence strong enough to withstand the lawn?
Do we need to know of any underground plumbing or such like?
We don't intend digging just throwing more dirt/sand in the area.

Any information would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Ryan

PS We live in Perth, WA

In NSW in my shire it is
not permissable to build up the soil level
against a neihbouring fence.
If a complaint is made,
the council will arrange for an inspection
and order for the person responsible
to remove the soil from the fence
and build a retaining wall on his side of the fence
to retain the soil.

If you are not digging into the soil,
you would not have to worry about any services.

Kryt0n · Mar 29, 2006 12:14 pm

Thanks for the response Jo.

We have pretty much come to expect that we need a retaining wall. This is not something we intend to do immediately so have a bit of time to work it in.

Does anyone know if we are required to heighten the fence once the garden has been raised?

TIA
Ryan

Jo · Mar 29, 2006 12:39 pm

Kryt0n

Thanks for the response Jo.

We have pretty much come to expect that we need a retaining wall. This is not something we intend to do immediately so have a bit of time to work it in.

Does anyone know if we are required to heighten the fence once the garden has been raised?

TIA
Ryan

Is it a fence shared with a neighbour?
If so, it may be necessary to discuss it with your neighbour.
Ask the council because there may be issues re privacy.
In my council it is permissable to
raise the soil level by up to 600mm without Council approval.
Similarly retaining walls can be built to 600mm without Council approval.