I'd like to warn owners of suburban properties about several violations that can result in fines. While many of them are difficult to prove, it's still useful to be aware of them. This applies not only to fines, but also to respectful treatment of nature, neighbors, and loved ones.
With the summer cottage season in full swing, it's worth remembering how to behave outside the city. It's a misconception that anything goes in your own backyard. The authors of the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO Administrative Offenses) believe otherwise.
Make a fire
Perhaps the most punishable gardening activities are burning trash and barbecuing. Open fires discovered by emergency services are punishable by a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 rubles (Article 20.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses).
Open flames are punishable in several cases:
- If there is a ban on making fires in an area by decision of local authorities, this category includes barbecues (their installation, by the way, is also regulated);
- in case of storm warning;
- when the wind speed exceeds 10 meters per second (if you want to have a barbecue without a fine, keep an eye on the forecast);
- If the site is located next to a forest, on peat deposits, conifers grow on it.
Now about the grill: according to the regulations, it must be installed in a cleared area, at a depth of up to 30 cm. There must be no bushes, buildings, or trees within a 5-meter radius. This is an absurd requirement, but failure to comply will give inspectors grounds for a fine.
If the fire pit is not fenced, it must be located 50 meters from buildings and 100 meters from trees. For an enclosed fire pit, the restrictions are different: 25 meters from buildings and 50 meters from trees.
Burying non-decomposable waste
Improper waste disposal is another reason for a fine (Article 8.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses). Burying non-degradable plastic, glass, and construction waste on your own property is considered illegal waste storage. Incidentally, burning toxic waste is also prohibited.
SNiP 30-02-02 regulates the installation of compost pits or piles on each plot, and designated solid waste disposal areas must be provided on the association's property. Violating the planning and development regulations for dacha associations carries a fine of 1,000 to 2,000 rubles.
Misuse of natural resources
Subsoil refers to the water bodies reached by wells. No license is required for individual wells with a daily water volume of up to 100 cubic meters. If the well is shared by an entire garden or if two or three neighbors have joined forces to drill, permits are required. In this case, water users are considered businesses (Article 19 of the Law "On Subsoil").
The fine under Article 7.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences ranges from 3 to 5 thousand rubles.
If water is extracted above the aquifer, it can be used without interference, but the wastewater cannot be directed onto neighboring properties. This is punishable by law as it violates the rights of other property owners.
Don't be "friends" with your neighbors
Not only territorial disputes may arise with neighbors, but you must not:
- flood the neighboring area with water for irrigation; if the hose accidentally breaks, you will have to compensate for the damages;
- Spray fertilizers and pesticides to protect plants so that they fly into neighboring areas (this also applies to smoke bombs).
A separate article on violation of territorial boundaries.
When planning a site, it is necessary to adhere to building codes and regulations (SNiP 2.07.01-89, SP 53.13330.2011).
Before planting trees, it is advisable to take into account that 15-meter plantings should be 3 meters away from the fence, 10-meter plantings should be 2 meters away, and up to 10 meters – one meter away.
Making noise at the wrong time
Prolonged gatherings with friends, accompanied by music and singing, are grounds for neighbors to contact the police (Federal Law No. 52). Noise is prohibited on weekdays from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and on weekends from 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM. Please protect your neighbors' sleep. Although the fine is small—100 to 500 rubles—it will ruin your relationships with your neighbors.
Building fences that are too high
A solid fence facing the road must not exceed 1.7 meters. It must be visible between properties (at least 50% transparency). The permitted height of mesh or lattice fencing is 1.2 meters. Solid fences are erected by mutual written consent. If such consent is not available, the legal standard will have to be used. Speaking of green hedges, they are considered green space and must be planted one meter from the property line. These are the rules.
Breeding cattle
All livestock except cattle are permitted on the property. Buildings for poultry and small livestock must be located 4 meters from the fence.
Free, uncontrolled "grazing" of animals is prohibited. Pets should not interfere with neighbors' enjoyment of peace and fresh air—I'm talking about manure; it should not be stored in such a way that its odors reach neighboring properties.
Despite the impossibility of enforcing certain regulations, such as those regarding barbecue installations and tree planting, punishment in the event of an inspection is inevitable. The law is the law, and it must be strictly observed.
