VIC Retaining Wall Dispute with Neigbours

[Joanne Tan]

We are having issues with a retaining wall my rear neighbour built on the boundary without our approval. They have their land backfilled hence it is an engineering wall with height from 1.8m gradual to 1m. Until we were ready to build and require to clear the land, we contacted them to remove the rocks they left behind, it was then that they told us they have been wanting to be in touch with us, to request us to share cost the engineering wall they have built. We refused after knowing our rights.

Our builder advised us that we have no obligation as the retaining wall is required by the rear neighbour to keep their backfill in place. While ours, the nature state of land needs no support. They have changed their land level and we didn’t. This information totally aligns with the article I read at: Retaining Walls. As this is specific to South Australia, I’m not sure if this applys to Victoria too. If the same law applies, they should, in fact, contact us prior to building the retaining wall, providing us engineering details to assure us that our land will not be affected by the proposed retaining wall, and not to ask for cost sharing.

We now require a fence to be up and issue them the "Notice Of Fence" via email. Here comes the sticky issue as the fence is to be sitting on the retaining wall. They refused us to have the fence on it and refused to share half the cost. They even shouted at the fence contractor who tried advising them.

Questions:
1. Is the South Australia law in regards to Retaining Wall the same as Victoria?
2. What is the implication if the retaining wall (1.8m) built on the boundary has no council approval?
3. Are we really not obligated to share that retaining wall?
4. What if we build the fence in our land; do they have any rights to ask us to remove it later?
5. Do we have rights to ask them to move the retaining wall into their land?
6. Should we involve the neighbour whose land is at the far left end of the retaining wall?

At the same time, there are so many loopholes in the “Notice To Retaining Wall” they gave us about 5 months after the retaining wall was built.

1. Total Invoice is $10703, yet in the “Notice to Retaining Wall” given to us is $6152. If retaining wall cost is obligated to share…Why are we asked to pay more than 50%?
   
   
2. Take a closer look at the details of the quotation. It doesn’t make sense to even split it equally:

• • Retaining Wall, South Boundary:
    • 17 Lineal meters 1.8m reducing to 1.0m in height
    • Galvanised steel posts, UC 150 & UC 100, Treated pine sleepers, 100mm & 75mm
    • Aggie Drain 100mm, Backfill with drainage scoria
    • Cost: $7450
  • Retaining Wall, East Boundary:
    • 12 Lineal meters 600m in height
    • Galvanised steel posts, UC 100, Treated pine sleepers 75mm
    • Aggie Drain 100mm, Backfill with drainage scoria
    • Cost: $2280
  • GST: $973
  • TOTAL: $10703
• We are on the South Boundary, why are we asked to share half the cost of the East Boundary too?
• Our land is 16.5m and not in straight alignment with the rear neighbour. Hence effectively the common length is probably at 14.5m. Why should we be billed the full 17m?
• Backfill? Bill us for the backfilling his land? Make sense?

Moreover, it is a really ugly engineering retaining wall as extra posts are required as enforcement at different length interval. The rear neighbours won’t see this retaining wall, but it is in full view in our backyard.

Would appreciate your help. What should we do?

We prefer to work this out amicably without having to be bullied into paying unnecessarily. Them shouting at the fence contractor makes us feel really threatened; should we make a police report?

 

[Sophea]

Hi Joanne,

In response to your questions:
(1) As far as I am aware, the same laws as those in South Australia apply to most states in Australia.
(2) In Victoria, a building permit is needed for retaining walls over 1 metre high. The landowner is responsible for ensuring a building permit is obtained and must ensure the person in charge of the building work has a copy of the approval. If they don't have a building permit, an enforcement notice can be issued requiring the landowner to comply with any building requirements imposed which may involve removing or demolishing the structure. A breach of the building Act is serious and illegal building work can require a landowner to attend the Magistrate's Court. Notification of current/recent illegal work may be sent to the "Municipal Building Surveyor".
(3) If they are the ones who have changed the natural fall of the land, then they are responsible for creating structures so as not to cause damage to your land. And they are liable for the cost.
(4) So long as your fence doesn't create any nuisance or obstruction to sunlight or something to your neighbour's property, or create instability or affect the structural integrity of the retaining wall (which may require you to pay for repairs) they cannot object to something that is on your land and you are the owner of it.
(5) Is the retaining wall built on the boundary? Or on your land? It's legal for it to be on the boundary as long as they have a building permit. If it's on your land, you can likely obtain a court order to have the structure removed from your property.
(6) difficult to answer, depends on your course of action.

I don't think shouting at a contractor is sufficient to file a police report. However, if offensive or aggressive behaviour is a continuing matter and is affecting you, then perhaps you could consider this.

 

[Joanne Tan]

Hello Sophea

Thank you so much for your reply.

I am more assured now and will be firmer when handling them in future.

We met last Sat. They mentioned that Town Council advised them their retaining wall does not need any building permit. I am suspecting that they did not apply for one. Therefore I have contacted Town Council for clarification. I was advised the same as what you did - Retaining wall that is more than 1m needs building permit. She further added that if it is the case, the retaining wall is on the boundary hence I would be implicated too.