Do retaining walls need to be shown on the DA plans?
Yes, proposed retaining walls should be shown on the DA plans where they form part of the development or are relevant to its assessment. They should be documented sufficiently to show their location, extent, height and relationship to existing and proposed ground levels. Not every retaining wall requires DA approval in its own right, as some may qualify as exempt development.
Yes, if retaining walls are part of the proposed works and relevant to the DA, they should be shown on the plans.
This is particularly important where retaining walls are associated with excavation, filling, changes to site levels, boundaries, driveways or the way the proposed building sits on the land.
The drawings should provide enough information to understand the proposed earthworks and retaining arrangement. Depending on the project, this could be shown on the site plan, sections and/or a fill plan. ACT Planning defines a Fill Plan as showing the land contours and where fill is proposed, while Section Plans show relevant ground and floor levels.
For example, if a dual occupancy requires a retaining wall along the side of the proposed driveway because of a change in ground level, the wall and associated levels should be represented in the DA documentation where they are relevant to assessing the proposal.
Referral: Before you apply ? Prepare your documents, supported by Development Application Naming Conventions ? Fill Plan and Section Plan - https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/before-you-apply/naming-conventions
Link on the answer: https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/before-you-apply/naming-conventions
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| Dual Occupancy Q&A | #547 | agrees | 01/09/2026 |