Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Welcome to our refreshed website!

We've updated the site to make information easier to access and navigate. While some content may have been reorganised, you can browse our updated sections to find what you need.

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Retaining and Boundary Walls

Check the guidelines relating to retaining and boundary walls for strata landed housing.

Last updated 7 June 2026
Diagram of a stepped retaining and boundary wall with height measurements and a person's silhouette for scale.

Height of Retaining and Boundary Walls

Retaining Walls

Outward facing retaining walls are not encouraged as they tend to mar the streetscape. If allowed, retaining walls shall:

  • Not be more than 1m high. Retaining walls more than 1m high may be considered along the common boundaries and shall be suitably tiered and planted with adequate greenery if alternative measures are impractical.

  • Be terraced at minimum 300mm apart, and planted to give an adequate greenery effect, if fronting a road or street. 

Boundary Walls

Boundary walls shall not exceed 1.8m.

The combined height of retaining and boundary wall shall not exceed 2.8m, of which solid wall shall not exceed 1.8m. Where a boundary wall is proposed on top of the retaining wall, only porous material (e.g. fencing) shall be used for the boundary wall.

Full-height wall along the common boundary between 2 semi-detached houses abutting the car porch/patio area can be allowed. This may also be considered for terrace houses if site context allows for it (e.g. where the car porches are paired and aligned) or if it is to meet FSSD’s requirements.