When Does Landscaping Need Development Approval in SA?

One of the most common questions Adelaide homeowners ask before starting a landscaping project is: do I need council approval? The answer depends on the type, scale, and location of the work. While most garden improvements can proceed without any approvals, several common landscaping elements trigger development approval requirements under South Australia’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

Getting this wrong can be costly—unauthorised development can result in fines, orders to remove non-compliant work, and complications when selling your property. For a detailed look at retaining wall regulations specifically, see our SA retaining wall regulations guide.

Landscaping Work That Generally Does Not Need Approval

The following common landscaping activities typically do not require development approval in metropolitan Adelaide:

Garden beds and planting: Creating new garden beds, planting trees (unless removing significant trees), shrubs, and groundcovers
Lawn installation: Laying turf or seeding a new lawn
Mulching: Applying mulch to garden beds
Irrigation: Installing drip irrigation and sprinkler systems (though connection to mains water may need a licensed plumber)
Paving: Ground-level paving for paths and patios (subject to stormwater management requirements in some councils)
Small retaining walls: Walls under 1 metre in height that do not support a surcharge load (driveway, structure, or significant slope above)
Standard boundary fencing: Up to 2.1 metres high along side and rear boundaries
Garden sheds: Small sheds under certain size thresholds (varies by zone—check with your council)
Low-voltage garden lighting: 12V landscape lighting systems

Landscaping Work That Requires Development Approval

The following landscaping elements typically require development approval:

Retaining Walls Over 1 Metre

Any retaining wall exceeding 1 metre in height requires development approval and, in most cases, engineering certification. This includes single walls over 1 metre and stepped walls where the total height exceeds 1 metre. For detailed guidance, see our article on retaining wall council approval.

Even walls under 1 metre may require approval if they support a surcharge load, are near a boundary, or are in certain planning overlays.

Structures

Pergolas, gazebos, carports, shade structures, and verandahs attached to or near a dwelling require development approval. Freestanding structures may also need approval depending on size, height, and location relative to boundaries.

Swimming Pools and Spas

Swimming pool and spa installation requires development approval, building rules consent, and compliance with fencing requirements under AS 1926.1. Above-ground pools over certain depths may also require approval.

Significant Tree Removal

Removal or major pruning of regulated and significant trees (generally those with a trunk circumference of 2.0 metres or more at 1 metre above ground) requires approval. See the Planning and Design Code for current thresholds.

Front Fencing

Front fences above 1.2 metres (or lower in some zones) typically require development approval. In heritage and character areas, front fence design may be subject to specific guidelines.

Changes Affecting Stormwater

Significant increases in impervious area (large paving areas, for example) that affect stormwater runoff may require approval and may need to include stormwater management measures.

The Development Approval Process

If your landscaping project does require approval, the process generally involves:

Pre-lodgement inquiry: Contact your local council’s planning department for informal advice (often free)
Prepare documentation: Site plans, elevations, engineering drawings (if applicable), and a description of the proposed work
Submit application: Via the PlanSA online portal or directly to your council
Assessment: The council assesses against the Planning and Design Code. Simple applications may be assessed on the papers; complex ones may require additional information or public notification
Decision: Approval, approval with conditions, or refusal
Timeframe: Simple applications: 2–4 weeks. Complex applications: 6–12 weeks or longer

Application fees vary by council and the type of development but typically range from $200 to $800 for standard landscaping-related applications.

Special Overlays and Zones

Certain areas of Adelaide have additional planning requirements that can affect landscaping:

Heritage and character areas: Stricter controls on visible changes including front gardens, fencing, and structures
Bushfire-prone areas: Requirements for defensible space, non-combustible materials, and specific vegetation management around buildings
Flood-prone areas: Restrictions on filling, earthworks, and stormwater management
Hills Face Zone: Strict controls on earthworks, retaining walls, and vegetation removal
Water protection areas: Additional controls in the Mount Lofty Ranges water catchment

What Happens If You Build Without Approval?

Building without required approval is a breach of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act. Consequences can include:

Orders to remove or modify the non-compliant work at your expense
Fines for individuals and companies
Difficulty selling your property if non-compliant work is identified
Insurance implications if non-compliant work causes or contributes to damage

If you discover existing non-compliant work on your property, you can apply for retrospective approval (sometimes called regularisation), though this is not guaranteed and the work must still meet current standards. For more on licensing and compliance, see our landscaper licensing guide.

Pre-Lodgement Advice: Saving Time and Money

Before submitting a formal development application, taking advantage of pre-lodgement advice services offered by Adelaide councils can save significant time, money, and frustration. Most councils offer an informal pre-lodgement inquiry where you can discuss your proposed project with a planning officer before committing to a formal application.

During a pre-lodgement meeting, you can find out whether your project actually requires approval (saving the application fee if it does not), what specific requirements or conditions are likely to apply, whether there are any planning overlays or zone requirements that could affect your project, what documentation you will need to submit, and approximately how long the assessment process will take.

Some councils offer this service free of charge for minor developments, while others charge a modest fee ($50–$200). Either way, it is significantly less expensive than submitting an incomplete application, having it rejected, and needing to reapply with additional documentation.

Working with a Planning Consultant

For complex projects or those in sensitive planning areas (heritage zones, Hills Face Zone, bushfire-prone areas), engaging a planning consultant can be a worthwhile investment. Planning consultants understand the Planning and Design Code intimately and can prepare applications that address all assessment criteria, significantly improving the likelihood of approval and reducing processing time.

Planning consultant fees for residential landscaping-related applications in Adelaide typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the project. For large projects involving multiple approval elements (retaining walls, structures, tree removal, and stormwater management), a planning consultant can manage the entire application process on your behalf.

Experienced landscaping companies often have established relationships with planning consultants and can coordinate the approval process as part of their project management. This is particularly valuable for homeowners who are unfamiliar with the planning system and find the process intimidating or confusing.

Retrospective Approval for Existing Work

If you discover non-compliant work on your property—whether done by a previous owner or inadvertently by yourself—it is possible to apply for retrospective development approval (sometimes called regularisation). This involves submitting a development application for work that has already been completed.

The application is assessed against the same criteria as a standard application. If the work meets current planning requirements, approval may be granted. If it does not meet requirements, you may be required to modify or remove the non-compliant elements. Retrospective applications may attract additional scrutiny and in some cases additional fees.

Seeking retrospective approval is always preferable to ignoring non-compliant work. Unresolved compliance issues can surface during property sales, insurance claims, and neighbour disputes, creating far larger problems than the cost and effort of obtaining retrospective approval.

Get Professional Guidance

Navigating planning regulations can be complex, but experienced landscapers deal with council approvals regularly and can guide you through the process efficiently. Connect with qualified Adelaide landscapers who understand local planning requirements and can handle the approval process as part of your project, ensuring everything is compliant from the start.