Walls and fences

If walls and fences are too high, they can reduce safety, cast shadows and create an unwelcoming environment. Walls, fences and vegetation on property boundaries to the street must not obstruct the line of sight of pedestrians. It is also important that the view at intersections is not obstructed for traffic safety reasons.

It is important to apply for a permit from the Municipality of Garðabær if walls and fences abut townland, including streets and paths.

The consent of the adjacent landowner is always required if a wall or fence is built at the property boundary. This is similar to the provision building regulationsResidents are advised to notarize the agreement.

Submission and content of the agreement

• Copy: A copy of the notarized agreement must be submitted to construction worker.
• Height: The declaration must clearly state the height of the wall or fence measured above ground.

Plot boundary to street

Garðabær , as a landowner, generally agrees to the following on lot boundaries facing a street:

• Walls and fences: May be up to 1.20 meters tall.
• Retaining walls: May be up to 0.8 meters tall.
• Sightlines: Always ensure good sight lines at driveways and corners.

Plot boundaries to open areas, paths and collection streets

Garðabær generally agrees to the following on the land boundaries of these areas:

• Walls and fences: May be up to 1.50 meters tall.
• Retaining wall and fall protection: The combined height of retaining walls and fall protection may be up to 2 meters.
• Plant chamber: It is recommended to break up walls and fences along streets and paths with planting compartments.
• Sightlines: Good sight lines should always be ensured at entrances and corners of traffic routes.

Retaining walls on plots

The following dimensions are generally permitted for retaining walls that stand within the property itself:

• Retaining walls: May be up to 1.20 meters high. Fall protection on them should be made of lightweight building materials.
• Retaining wall and retaining wall: If a retaining wall is built on top of a retaining wall, the combined height of the two can be up to 1.80 meters.

When is a building permit or approval required?

• A building permit must be applied for for the construction and completion of walls or fences that are higher than 1.80 meters. If the local plan stipulates otherwise, its provisions apply. Depending on the circumstances, the application may require a planning process.
• If a fence or wall stands close to the property boundary to open areas, paths or streets (townland) and is higher than the distance from the boundary, approval must be obtained from the building official.
• If walls, retaining walls or fences are cast, this must be reported and drawings submitted to the building official.

How is height measured?

When defining the height of a wall or fence, reference is made to land that does not deviate significantly from the elevation figures on a surveyor's map of the plot boundaries. If a surveyor's map is not available, reference is made to the existing land on site.

The elevation of the plot boundaries is shown on elevation sheets.

• G = height by the street.
• L = height of plot boundary.

Elevation sheets are available at Gardabaer map website. Elevation numbers are binding unless otherwise stated on the elevation sheet or in the local plan. Plot owners may jointly request a deviation from L-numbers.

If the local plan in the relevant district stipulates other maximum heights and designs for walls and fences than those in the Garðabær municipality's approval, then the local plan applies.

On Gardabaer map website You can find the local plans that are in force. In the menu on the right under Organization do you agree? Subdivision plan.