As all new retaining walls are designed approved and built to the highest standards it will be a long time if ever before we see dilapidation or structural integrity being compromised. This is good for everyone as neighbours can live in harmony without conflict arising from debates over who is responsible for remediation of walls in the event they break down.
In older areas however lots of disputes arise between neighbours over walls that have collapsed due to poor construction or effects from changing ground forces from the higher lot. Instances that we have encountered that have played part in breakdown of walls or un-retained areas of land include the following;
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Swimming pools being established
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New carports
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New parapet walls
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Extensions to Building
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Deep concrete pours for new driveway
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Removal of retaining materials e.g. rock retainer
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Removal of existing Twin Side Retainer
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Removals of major vegetation on the boundary
What does a retaining wall survey look like and what should it contain?
A retaining wall survey plan should contain at least the following items for engineers and council planners to be able to inspect:
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All fence lines on boundary showing base of fence and top of fence location if leaning into neighbour’s lot.
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Any existing retaining walls on the boundary detailing levels both on top and bottom of the wall.
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Tops and bottoms of banks representing natural ground level in both lots under investigation.
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Locations of buildings within 5m of boundary (Our Specification)
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Locations of building structures within 5m of boundary e.g. sheds / carports / driveways / swimming pools / Jacuzzi /
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Locations of walls / paths / paving / concrete slabs or any major vegetation within 5m of boundary
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All underground services within 5m of boundary
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Floor Levels of buildings in adjoining lots and Boundary dimensions and areas.
For all your retaining wall site surveying requirements or fence related issues in the City of Joondalup vicinity and all other areas, look no further than our Surveyors Joondalup Area Service, call 0415 856 548 or mail direct at info@zenithsurvey.com.au
Before we begin discussing retaining walls and fences and the need for survey, please look at the following link for extracts from the City of Joondalup Retaining Wall Guide which gives indicators when and where retaining walls maybe required.
When do retained or non-retained areas typically collapse?
If you are a resident of Joondalup it is highly likely that you are aware of major elevation changes between house floor levels and the main road or neighbouring properties on the majority of properties anywhere from Duncraig to Hillarys. These changing conditions in elevation sometimes require extensive earthworks and retaining to prepare a site for development.
When do I require a retaining wall survey? Why is it important?
Sometimes when these events happen and neighbours try to resolve it between themselves, communications can break down due to differences in opinion. This is when a surveyor can become involved along with other professionals. We can act as mediators between you and your neighbour if necessary or we can simply represent you.
We will conduct an accurate site survey which will display everything within a 5m setback from the boundary in question and either side of the boundary if we have access to your neighbours lot with their consent.
Our plans can be given to both council and engineers. The plan will form the most important part of the analytical process from start to finish for all parties involved and nothing can progress with new designs without it.