A planning approval or building licence is required before any earthworks (site work) may commence. Earthworks include any alteration of natural ground levels, and retaining walls required as a result.

Neighbours must be consulted where earthworks are carried out close to property boundaries or where natural ground levels are altered by more than one metre. The Building Surveyor must be called to carry out a footing inspection and a further inspection after completion, before backfilling takes place behind a retaining wall. If this is not done, a structural engineers certificate will be required to verify the structural integrity of the "as constructed" retaining wall. A structural engineer must certify plans for all retaining walls exceeding one metre in height.

For further details, please contact the Building Surveyors on 9622 6119 or 9622 6118 or email building@northam.wa.gov.au.