Who May Build a Retaining Wall in Launceston

What who may build a retaining wall in Launceston actually involves

The Director of Building Control's Determination says work proposed to be done by an owner that is not categorised as Low Risk Work by an owner requires an Owner Builder Permit from the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services and a separate Building Permit from the relevant council Permit Authority. The City of Launceston says much the same on its Building Permits page: an owner can do Notifiable Work but requires an Owner Builder Permit, and that work then becomes Building Permit work, Category 4. Its Category 3 and 4 wording also names who else may do the work. This site makes no statement about who is entitled to do any category of work, so read the headings in the Determination and ask the City.

What the law gives you

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Tasmania says a business guarantees it provides its services with due care and skill, and that its services will achieve the results the consumer wants, which the consumer needs to outline before the job starts. Without an agreed date, the business must supply the service within a reasonable time.

Say what you want from the wall

Because the guarantee turns on the results you outlined, say in the enquiry what you want from the wall: how much ground it must hold back, how it should look from the street, and where the water goes. Ask for it in the written quote too. Whether the wall needs a Building Surveyor, a Building Permit or neither is covered on the height and approval page.

The costs page lists the consumer guarantee lines with their sources and read dates. It does not list who may build any category of wall, and this site does not say.

Who May Build a Retaining Wall in Launceston — common questions

Can I build a low retaining wall myself?

The State's Category 1 covers low walls, and the City says Category 1 work needs no permit if all the criteria are met. Read the criteria and ask the City's Building Department before you start.

What if my wall is beyond the low-risk limits and I want to build it?

The Determination says work by an owner beyond Low Risk Work requires an Owner Builder Permit from Consumer, Building and Occupational Services and a separate Building Permit from the council.

What do the consumer guarantees say about the result?

A business guarantees its services will achieve the results the consumer wants, and the consumer needs to outline those expectations before the job starts.