Building a Fence or Retaining Wall
Front Fences
A front fence is a wall, screen or barrier that is forward of the dwelling. A secondary street fence is a fence along the secondary street of a corner lot.
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall is a wall or structure that is designed and constructed to support soil at a slope that cannot naturally be supported. It may be required where any changes in the natural ground levels are proposed.
Dividing Fences
A dividing fence separates the land of different owners along the common boundary of adjoining lands or on either side of the common boundary. It is subject to an agreement between property owners.
If you are a property owner and want to build a dividing fence, you should know your obligations and responsibilities under the Dividing Fences Act 1961 (WA) before construction.
Pool and Spa Safety Fences
All private swimming pools and spas must have a compliant safety barrier to stop young children from accessing the area. For more information about the requirements for pool and spa fences, see our Swimming Pools page.
Building Approval for Fences and Retaining Walls
Front Fences
Generally, building permit approval is not required for a front or secondary street fence which complies with the following:
- If it is constructed of masonry (limestone, brick or similar), it is no more than 0.75m in height
- if constructed of a material other than masonry, it is no more than 1.8m in height
- is not located in wind region C or D as defined in AS 1170.2.
If the proposed fence forms part of a private swimming pool or spa barrier, you will need to comply with Australian Standard 1926.1-2012 and will need building permit approval. See our Swimming Pools and Spas page for more information.
Dividing Fences
Generally, a building permit is not required to construct a dividing or boundary fence using material such as fibro-cement sheets, colorbond or timber.
If the proposed fence forms part of a private swimming pool or spa barrier, you will need to comply with Australian Standard 1926.1-2012 and will need a building permit. See our Swimming Pools and Spas page for more information.
Retaining Walls
A Building Permit is required where a proposed retaining wall is to be used to retain soil exceeding 500mm in height, is an addition to an existing retaining wall and/or in the case of tiered walls, the walls soil to be retained exceeds 500mm in total height. If excavation (cut) is required near adjoining properties, a building permit may still be required even though the retaining proposed is under 500mm.
For site specific building permit requirements, please liaise with the City of Busselton Building Services team on 9781 1732. Please refer to the city’s Development and Planning Team to confirm whether you require a Development Approval.
Lodging a Building Application for a Fence or Retaining wall
A Building Application may be submitted to the City of Busselton as an ‘Certified’ or ‘Uncertified’ Application.
Certified Building Application - BA1 form
- A Certified Building Application is submitted to the permit authority accompanied by a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC)
- May be for any class of building and incidental structure,
- Applications for Class 1b and Class 2 to 9 buildings must be made as Certified Applications
- Class 1a and Class 10 buildings and incidental structures may be Certified or Uncertified.
- Applicants wishing to submit a Certified Application are required to engage a Registered Building Surveyor to check the proposal and provide a Certificate of Design Compliance to submit to the permit authority.
- The permit authority has 10 business days to decide on a Certified Application. These timelines may sometimes be extended in consultation with the applicant.
To assist lodgement of a Certified Building Application, please refer links below:
BA1 - Certified Building Application Form
Checklist- BA1 Certified
Uncertified Building Application - BA2 form
- Submitted to the permit authority without a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC)
- Only applies to Class 1a and Class 10 buildings and incidental structures.
- A building surveyor is appointed by the permit authority to check the proposal and provide a Certificate of Design Compliance. A building permit will be issued.
To assist lodgement of an Uncertified Building Application, please refer links below:
BA2 - Uncertified Building Application Form
Checklist - BA2 Uncertified
Lodging Applications
The City accepts building applications in hardcopy or electronic format via the following:
A Request for Payment will be issued upon receipt of application. Application fees can be calculated using the Building fees tab: Online Building Fee Calculator.
If your project has a construction value of more than $20,000, you will need to pay the Construction Training Fund (CTF) Levy. The rate of the levy is 0.2% of the total value of construction (inclusive of GST). Once paid an invoice will be required to be submitted with the application.