Before a retaining wall goes in, it’s worth knowing whether it needs a building permit. Getting this wrong can cause problems with neighbours, insurers and buyers later. This page summarises the rules published by the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Building Regulations 2018. It’s general information, not legal advice. Always confirm your own situation with a building surveyor or the City.
Not sure where your wall fits? Call 0485 557 649 and your local, registered builder can talk it through with you.
The City of Greater Bendigo’s rule
According to the City of Greater Bendigo, retaining walls that are less than 1 metre high, and built at a distance at least equal to their height away from existing buildings and any allotment boundary, do not require a building permit.
The City says a retaining wall does require a building permit when:
- it is constructed on or near a boundary, at any height
- the proposed wall is 1 metre or more in height, at any location
- site excavation or filling for the wall affects the stability of the ground on the allotment
- any part of an adjoining building may be adversely affected by the excavation or filling
- any part of an adjoining allotment may be adversely affected by the excavation or filling.
This matches the state rule. Under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018 (Vic), the permit exemption only covers a retaining wall less than 1 m in height that is not associated with other building work or with protection of adjoining property. Note the wording: a wall that is exactly 1 metre high is not exempt.
Examples
| Situation | Permit likely? |
|---|---|
| 600 mm garden wall in the middle of the backyard, well away from the house and fences | Generally no |
| 600 mm wall right on the side boundary | Yes, it’s on or near a boundary |
| 1.0 m wall anywhere on the block | Yes |
| 800 mm wall holding up fill for a new shed pad near the neighbour | Likely, as the fill may affect the adjoining allotment |
| Wall built as part of a new house, pool or shed | Ask your building surveyor, as it may be part of that building work |
Who issues the permit?
The City of Greater Bendigo doesn’t issue building permits. You (or your builder on your behalf) engage a registered private building surveyor, who assesses the plans, issues the permit and inspects the work at set stages. The City may still need to give consent for some matters, such as building over an easement.
A planning permit is a separate thing. Where one is needed, for example because of an overlay on your land, you must get it before the building permit. The City notes that a planning permit doesn’t replace a building permit.
Engineering
A wall that needs a building permit will usually need a structural engineer’s design that suits the height, soil and loads, such as a driveway, fence or building near the top of the wall. Your building surveyor will tell you which documents they need. The Quote Yard’s 2026 Victorian guide puts engineering for a residential wall at about $800 to $2,500. See the cost guide for more.
Builder registration
In Victoria, building practitioners are registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), which took over from the Victorian Building Authority on 1 July 2025. Consumer Affairs Victoria says a major domestic building contract is required for most domestic building work worth more than $10,000, and a builder must be registered with the BPC to enter into one. The Building Regulations 2018 include a domestic builder class limited to structural landscaping, which covers retaining walls.
You can check a builder’s registration on the BPC’s Find and check a practitioner search at bpc.vic.gov.au. The builder we connect you with will give you their registration details with your quote.
Boundary walls and neighbours
Walls on or near a boundary need a permit at any height in Greater Bendigo, and they can affect your neighbour. Talk to your neighbour early, especially if you’re changing ground levels or adding a fence on top. Where excavation could affect a neighbour’s property, protection work rules may also apply, and your building surveyor will advise. Who pays for a boundary wall depends on the circumstances, so get advice if you can’t agree.
Before anyone digs
- Lodge a free Before You Dig Australia enquiry at byda.com.au to see network assets such as gas, water, power and telecommunications.
- Greater Bendigo is a historical gold mining region. EPA Victoria advises that mining waste may be found when landscaping or excavating, and that work should stop and be assessed if suspected mining sands are uncovered.
- Plan where the drainage water will go. See sloping blocks and drainage.
Contacting the City
For permit questions, the City of Greater Bendigo’s Building Services team can be reached on 1300 002 642 or buildingadmin@bendigo.vic.gov.au (office hours 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, according to the City’s website).
Want a builder who can handle the permit process with you? Call 0485 557 649. For more common questions, see the FAQ.
Bendigo Retaining Walls is a referral service, not a building company. We pass your enquiry to one independent, local retaining wall builder, who inspects the site, quotes and carries out the work under their own registration and insurance. Builder registration details are provided with your quote.