Planting and boundary walls at the property boundary

The Head of Horticulture and the Environment and Planning Services for Hafnarfjörður would like to remind residents of a few points worth considering regarding tree growth on property boundaries and the construction of retaining walls.

Let's consider the vegetation at the plot boundaries.

Tree growth that extends beyond the boundaries of a property can be obstructive and even dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists or motorists, and can obscure traffic signs, street names and even lighting.

In the Building Regulations, section 7.2.2, it states regarding trees and shrubs: „The occupier of a site is required to keep the growth of trees and shrubs on the site within the boundaries of the site. If he fails to do so, and where the growth of trees or shrubs extends beyond the boundary onto streets, pavements or open spaces, the highway authority or manager of the area is authorised to remove the part that causes a nuisance or is unsightly, at the landowner's expense, following prior notice.“

Fencing and screen walls

Certain rules apply to such undertakings, which are worth familiarising yourself with before you get started.

Attention must be paid to the boundaries of the plot, whether adjacent to a neighbour's plot or to the municipal land. It is permitted to erect screens and fences up to a height of 1.8m, provided they are set back 1.8m from the boundary. Permission must be sought from the Hafnarfjörður Building Control Officer if a railing is placed closer to the boundary line than its height. Furthermore, the consent of neighbours or adjoining landowners must be submitted to the Hafnarfjörður Building Control Officer for any railing on or adjacent to the boundary line.

When erecting fencing and other screen walls, residents are also encouraged to consider whether such works might affect traffic safety by obstructing visual links with the road and pavement.

On the website of the Infrastructure Agency (www.mannvirkjastofnun.is/The building regulations can be found under the 'Laws and Regulations' tab. Particular attention is drawn to section 2.3.5 for those considering works on their plot, which covers, amongst other things, on-site works, retaining walls, fences and garden sheds.

Environment and Planning Services of Hafnarfjörður

Garden Superintendent of Hafnarfjörður