General Guidelines: Walls cannot be constructed over or on property lines. Walls cannot cause water displacement or alter the drainage path. Walls cannot be placed in easements.
New South Wales. In New South Wales, building approval is required for retaining walls that are taller than 600mm or located closer than 2 meters from another retaining wall, or closer than 1 meter to a lot boundary, or within 40 meters of a water body, or within 1 meter of a registered easement, sewer, or water main.
Generally you aren't allowed to even build on the property line. You should check your setback requirements for walls and fences in your area? for a fence it can be commonly anywhere from 2 to 8 inches away from the property line, and walls and building structures can be 6 to 10 feet.
You need the permission to build a wall straddling the boundary, since unless you were both exercising your right to build, only one would be building and part of that would be on the other's land.
Typically, retaining walls up to four feet in height can be constructed based on the manufacturer's guidelines without additional engineering input. These recommendations ensure that the wall can support itself and the forces exerted by the soil behind it.
As per the Code- IS 456 : 2000 Clause 20.1, the stability of the retaining wall against overturning should be ensured that resisting moment should not be less than 1.4 times the maximum overturning moment. If the dead load provides restoring moment , then as per code 90% of the dead load should be taken into account.
In the unincorporated Los Angeles County area, a freestanding fence or block wall may be constructed up to a height of six (6?) feet without a permit. However, if the wall is to retain any soil, a permit may be necessary.
How close to your neighbour's boundary can you build your extension? You can build your extension up to 50mm from your neighbours' boundary as long as you have either Permitted Development Rights or have Planning Permission. This could be a suitable option if you aren't able to secure a Party Wall Agreement.
Erecting or adding to a fence, gate or wall
If your property is a house you must apply for householder planning permission. That is if any of the below apply: it would be over 1m high and next to a highway used by vehicles.
The exact amount a building needs to be set back from the property line will vary from one location to another. However, the required setback on the side is typically between 5 – 10 feet, while the front and back require around 10 – 20 feet at a minimum.
Generally, we've found that most zoning laws require sheds to be placed at least 3 to 5 feet away from the property line. This spacing is crucial for several reasons, such as ensuring access for maintenance and adhering to fire safety codes.
Masonry Walls:
A masonry wall is not considered a fence. A building permit is required for block, masonry, stone, concrete and stucco walls over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
With the permission of both property owners, a retaining wall can be built on property lines. But it's worth noting that the two parties still have responsibility for any of their actions that destabilises the wall's structural integrity.
A Building Permit and engineering calculations are REQUIRED when: The wall is greater than 4'-0” measured from bottom of footing to top of wall.
A boundary wall serves as a dividing structure between two pieces of land (defines boundaries) and a retaining wall serves to split levels of ground to prevent the higher level from subsiding onto the lower level.
In general, your neighbour only has the right to build up to the boundary line between the two properties but there are circumstances when they can legitimately build on your land but they will require your permission. These include: A loft extension. A ground floor extension.
Boundary walls are owned and maintained by the respective property owners on either side, whereas party walls are shared between property owners and are jointly owned and maintained. Another significant difference is the legal implications.
Not all work to party walls requires a party wall agreement. These include minor works such as drilling into the wall internally to fit kitchen units or shelving. Having the wall plastered or adding or replacing electrical wiring or sockets will not require an agreement either.
Any homeowner has the right to build up to the boundary line. They can extend work onto the party line with permission from adjoining neighbours. Although this work is allowed under the Act, a neighbour cannot start building works on a boundary line without notice or consent.
Cantilever retaining wall:
It is the most common type of retaining wall and its height ranges up to 10-25 feet (3 to 8m). Counterfort retaining walls are economical for height over about 6 m.
“Structures” is defined to include a “fence” and “retaining wall,” but there is an exception for a “perimeter wall, fence, or similar enclosure, not in excess of six feet in height.” Therefore, the Court was left to determine whether the wall was a “perimeter wall, fence, or similar enclosure,” and therefore ...
As a rule of thumb, it's generally recommended that retaining walls be positioned at least 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) away from a house.
The International Building Code (IBC) requires engineering design for any retaining wall 4 ft (1.21 m) or taller retaining soil and any retaining wall 2 ft (0.60 m) or greater retaining lateral loads (like buildings, streets, parking, etc.) in addition to soil.