Since approximately 1975, the policy of Building Regulations Division has been to require any structure retaining over 1m of backfill material (irrespective of whether or not it lends support to a building) to have a building permit.
Do you need planning permission to build a retaining wall?
They may be independent structures, or may be part of a wider construction works, such as a building. Planning permission is required if the wall is to be over 1-metre high and next to a road or pathway; or over 2-metres high elsewhere.
When must you get a building consent for a retaining wall?
A building consent is required because the wall is closer to the dwelling than its own height. Constructing a retaining wall on a rural property that is 3 metres high and 5 metres away from the property boundary which has been designed by an engineer, but not a chartered professional engineer.
Is a retaining wall considered structural?
A retaining wall is a structure designed to uphold the soil behind it. This allows for changes in the grade of a plot and flat areas to be used for building structures or backyard features. Several factors must be considered in order to build the proper retaining wall for your property.
Do you need a permit for landscaping Edmonton?
No permits are required to landscape your property, however you may require a permit if you are building a fence or want to include a deck, shed, gazebo, hot tub or water feature in your yard.
Can I build my own retaining wall?
Choose a DIY-friendly building material. Retaining walls can be made from wood, bricks, natural stones or concrete blocks. For DIYers, it’s best to use concrete retaining wall blocks, which can be interlocking and are heavy enough to stay in place without cement or other adhesive.
How high can a retaining wall be without consent?
How to check if you need a consent to add a retaining wall
Rural, non-residential retaining walls of up to 3m could be allowed (PDF 8.9MB). Have your plans ready before you start. It should take you about 10 minutes to complete.
Do I need a structural engineer for a retaining wall?
Building regulations approval is not generally required for landscaping but if you are removing large amounts of earth you may need to build a retaining wall and you will need advice from a competent structural engineer.
What can I build without a building consent?
Single-storey detached buildings include sleepouts, sheds, greenhouses and other similar structures can be built without a building consent. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are not included in the exemption.
Do I need a drain pipe behind retaining wall?
A drainage pipe might be needed if: The retaining wall is at least four feet high or taller. Clay or other poor draining soils are behind the wall. There are buried water sources within 50 feet of the retaining wall location.
What should you not do when building a retaining wall?
However, if you’re confident in your skills to tackle this project, these are the mistakes you should avoid when building a retaining wall.
- Choosing the wrong material.
- Failing to provide adequate drainage.
- Putting too much weight behind the wall.
- Tackling too much wall on your own.
- Not doing maintenance.
Does retaining wall need rebar?
Retaining walls must be stronger than freestanding walls. Insert rebar in the footing when you pour it; this should be done at every three blocks or at intervals specified by your local codes.
What is the difference between a landscaping wall and a retaining wall?
Unlike garden or free-standing walls, retaining walls typically require engineering and civic approvals. Retaining walls can be of any height but are usually higher than 3 feet. Garden walls are low walls, usually about 18-24 inches in height, that line a landscape feature.
What do you need a permit for in Edmonton?
Permits are required for common renovation projects such as:
Adding or changing the size of a window or exterior door. Building or finishing a living/recreation room, bedroom or bathroom. Repairs due to fire or flood damage. Structural changes.
Do you need a permit to build a pergola in Edmonton?
If you are attaching a pergola to the house, a permit will be required. In Edmonton, it is not uncommon to attach a pergola to the house, for this, you will require both a building and development permit.
How big of a shed can I build without a permit in Alberta?
Permits are NOT required when a structure is:
Less than 10 square metres (108 square feet).
Does a retaining wall need foundations?
Retaining wall foundation depth should be 300mm if the soil is firm and well-drained, or 450mm if less firm and unstable. Dig out foundation [base on which wall stands] which must be twice the width of the wall. WONKEE DONKEE says to use a 215mm Hollow Concrete Block with a 450mm width foundation.
What is the cheapest way to do a retaining wall?
The cheapest type of retaining wall is poured concrete. Prices start at $4.30 per square foot for poured concrete, $5.65 for interlocking concrete block, $6.15 for pressure-treated pine, and about $11 for stone. Installation or supplies, such as drainage stone or filter fabric, are not included.
What goes under retaining wall?
Second, a retaining wall must have properly compacted backfill. Backfill refers to the dirt behind the wall. In order to provide proper drainage, at least 12 inches of granular backfill (gravel or a similar aggregate) should be installed directly behind the wall.
How tall is too tall for a retaining wall?
Generally, you shouldn’t need to build your retaining wall taller than three to four feet. Especially for those in certain cities or geographical locations, building higher than four feet requires city permission and expensive engineering.
Does a 2 foot retaining wall need drainage?
Every retaining wall should include drainage stone behind the wall. Though it is a good idea to install a drainage pipe on all walls, there are certain situations where a perforated drain pipe is absolutely necessary.