Structural landscaping in the City of Melton
Updated November 2026
Structural landscaping is the part of a garden that holds weight or holds ground: retaining walls, steps, raised beds, paving, decks, pergolas, fences and outdoor rooms. In Victoria it is building work, which is the main difference between it and planting a garden. We pass your request to a local landscaper who works your suburb. We are a referral service, not a landscaping business.
What counts as structural
- Retaining walls and terracing
- Steps, landings and raised garden beds built from masonry, sleepers or stone
- Paving, patios and paths
- Decks, pergolas and shade structures
- Fences and screens
- Water features and outdoor kitchens
Registration in Victoria
Victoria has no landscaping class of registration. Structural landscaping is domestic building work, and a domestic building contract worth more than $10,000 must be carried out by a practitioner registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission. In practice, a large structural job needs a registered builder where the job needs one. Ask the landscaper who holds the registration and whose name is on the contract.
For contracts from 1 July 2026, Victoria's home warranty insurance generally applies to eligible domestic building work valued at more than $20,000. Ask whether your job attracts it and ask to see the certificate if it does.
Permits
The Building and Plumbing Commission's position is that building work needs a building permit unless an exemption applies under the Building Regulations 2018. Pergolas associated with houses and some small garden sheds are among the possible exemptions it lists, and the detail sits in the regulations. Whether your wall, deck or structure needs a permit depends on what it is, its size and where it sits. Councils and registered building surveyors apply the rules.
A wall or structure on or near a boundary can trigger protection work requirements under the Building Act 1993. Dividing fences between neighbours fall under the Fences Act 1968, and the Victorian Government's fencing page explains how costs are shared and how notice is given.
Why it matters on the basalt plains
The City of Melton sits on the basalt and alluvial plains of Melbourne's west. Engineers describe the basalt clays found north and west of Melbourne as shrinking and swelling with the seasons, enough to damage light structures. Walls, steps and deck footings are light structures, so footing depth, drainage and engineering where the job calls for it are the things to ask about.
Before work starts
- A free Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry before any digging
- Who is registered, and whether the job needs a permit
- Whether any wall carries a driveway, pool, building or boundary, because those generally need engineering
- If the work is near a pool, ask for the barrier to be checked against Victoria's barrier rules
Frequently asked questions
Is there a structural landscaping licence in Victoria?
No. Victoria has no landscaping class. Structural landscaping is domestic building work, and over $10,000 under a domestic building contract it must be done by a practitioner registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission.
Does a pergola need a permit?
Possibly not. Pergolas associated with houses are among the exemptions the Building and Plumbing Commission lists, but conditions apply. Ask the landscaper or a registered building surveyor.
Who is responsible for site safety?
The contractor is responsible for site safety and for locating services before digging.
Should I split the structural and soft work?
You can. Some owners use a registered builder for the walls and paving and a landscaper for the planting. One contract is simpler. Either way, make sure the scope is clear in writing.