Tree vegetation, garden waste and perimeter walls

Considering vegetation to land boundaries – obligations of land owners

Tree roots that grow beyond ones land perimeter can be restrictive and even harmful to pedestrians or cyclists, and can be in the way of traffic signs, street names, and even street lights. Building regulation Article 7.2.2 states for trees and shrubs: “The land owner is obliged to keep the growth of trees and shrubs within the perimeter of their plot. If he fails to do so, and where the growth of trees or shrubs exceeds the perimeter of streets, pedestrian paths or open areas, the road keeper or the keeper of an area may remove the part causing disturbance or irregularity, at the expense of the land owner, following a warning.”

What you need to keep in mind is:

• Traffic signs are visible.
• Vegetation does not block street lighting.
• Pedestrians and cyclists have easy access to pedestrian paths.
• Where sweepers and snow removal equipment pass, the minimum height of vegetation above paths must not be lower than 2,8 metres.
• Over roadways, vegetation must not drop below 4.2 metres and this height rule also applies where garbage collection trucks, fire brigades and ambulances have to access along a pavement or path.

Garden waste – free reception at Sorpa

Sorpa receives garden waste from individuals free of charge at its recycling centres, in Hafnarfjörður, Breiðhella. According to Sorpa’s definition, the following fall under the category garden waste: weeds, flower trimmings, vegetables, leaves, plant residues and potted flowers. Logs and tree branches, grass and hay are also accepted free of charge, but special containers are available for these categories. Note that categories may only include the materials mentioned above without foreign/other materials, such as plastics.

Fencing and protective walls

Such projects are governed by certain rules which are worth studying before starting. Consideration must be given to land boundaries, whether at the neighbour’s property or on townland. A protective wall and fences up to 1,8m in height no closer than 1,8m to the perimeter may be erected. Permission must be applied for from the Hafnarfjörður Building Commissioner if a fence is closer to the perimeter than its height. The approval of neighbors/adjacent land holders for a structure on or near the perimeter shall also be submitted to the Hafnarfjörður Building Commissioner. When constructing structures and other shelter walls, residents are also encouraged to consider whether such projects have the potential to affect road safety by reducing visual connections to the street and sidewalk. See link Húsnæðis- og mannvirkjastofnun (hms.is)