Planting, garden waste and boundary walls

Considering vegetation at the boundary of a plot – the duties of landowners

Tree growth that extends beyond the boundaries of a plot can be obstructive and even hazardous to pedestrians, cyclists or motorists, and can obscure traffic signs, street names and even lighting. The Building Regulations, section 7.2.2, states the following regarding trees and shrubs: „The occupier of a plot is obliged to keep the growth of trees and shrubs on the plot within the plot boundaries. If the landowner 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 the 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.“

What needs to be borne in mind is that:

• Traffic signs must be visible
• Vegetation must not obstruct street lighting
• Pedestrians and cyclists should have free passage on footpaths.
• As mechanical sweepers and snowploughs operate, the minimum height of vegetation over paths must be no less than 2.8 metres.
• Vegetation over motorways must not exceed 4.2 metres in height, and this height restriction also applies where refuse lorries, fire engines and ambulances need to access a kerb or path.

Garden waste – free collection at Sorpu

Sorpa accepts garden waste from individuals free of charge at its recycling centres., in Hafnarfjörður to Breiðhellu. According to the definition of Sorpa, the following fall under the category of garden waste: weeds, grass, flower cuttings, vegetables, leaves, plant remains and potted plants. Tree trunks and branches, grass and hay are also accepted free of charge, but special containers are provided for these categories. Please note that the containers are for the above-mentioned materials only, without any admixture of other materials such as plastic.

Fencing and screen walls

Certain rules apply to such works, which are worth familiarising yourself with before you begin. You must consider the property boundaries, whether it is the boundary with your neighbour's plot or with the local authority land. It is permitted to erect a shelter wall and fences up to a height of 1.8m, provided they are set back from the boundary line by at least 1.8m. Permission must be sought from the Hafnarfjörður building control officer if a railing comes closer to the plot boundary than its height is.. Consent from neighbours or adjacent landowners for fencing on or near the boundary of the plot must also be submitted to the Hafnarfjörður Building Control Officer. When constructing fences and other screen walls, residents are also encouraged to consider whether such works might affect traffic safety by obstructing visual connections to the street 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