Planting, garden waste and boundary walls
At this time of year, and for good reason, it is important to remind residents of a few points worth considering regarding trees on property boundaries, garden waste, and the construction of retaining walls. Tree growth that extends beyond the boundary of a property can be obstructive and even dangerous to traffic and safety.
Considering vegetation at the boundary of a plot – the duties of landowners
At this time of year, and in light of recent events, it is important to remind residents of a few points worth considering regarding trees on property boundaries, garden waste, and the construction of retaining walls. Tree growth that extends beyond the property boundary can be obstructive and even dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists or motorists, and can obscure traffic signs, street names and even lighting. The Building Regulations, section 7.2.2, state the following regarding trees and shrubs: „the landowner is required 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, footpaths 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 warning.“
Garden waste – free collection at Sorpu
Sorpa accepts garden waste free of charge. from individuals at their recycling centres, in From Hafnarfjörður to Breiðhellu. According to Sorpu's definition, the following fall under the category of garden waste: weeds, grass, flower trimmings, vegetables, leaves, plant remains and potted plants. Also accepted Free of charge for tree trunks and branches, grass and hay. But there are special containers for these categories. Please note that the above-mentioned materials may be placed in the categories 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 applied for from the Hafnarfjörður building control officer. where a fence is closer to the boundary than its height. Furthermore, the building control officer of Hafnarfjörður must be presented with the consent of neighbours or adjacent landowners for any fencing on or adjacent to the boundary. 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 street and pavement.
On the website of the Housing and Building Authority (hms.isThe 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.