The Head of Horticulture and the Environment and Planning Services for Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur would like to remind residents of a few points worth considering regarding tree growth on property boundaries and the construction of retaining walls. <\/p>\n
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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. <\/p>\n
In the Building Regulations, section 7.2.2, it states regarding trees and shrubs: \u201eThe 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.\u201c <\/p>\n
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Certain rules apply to such undertakings, which are worth familiarising yourself with before you get started. <\/p>\n
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 Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur 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 Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur Building Control Officer for any railing on or adjacent to the boundary line. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n