General guidelines for walls, fencing and vegetation at property boundaries

Illustration of a hammer striking a checkmark symbol signifying something is finished.

These guidelines clarify and simplify standards for walls, fences and vegetation at property lines and explain Reykjavík City's position as an adjacent property owner. They also ensure traffic safety for all modes of transportation.

Submit a declaration of property division

Finishing

Work at property lines between adjacent lots must be done in consultation with neighbors and cannot interfere with the use of adjacent lots. Fences or privacy walls at property lines always require consent from both property owners regardless of height, and consent must be obtained before construction begins, according to Article 7.2.3 of building regulation No. 112/2012.

Recorded agreement

Residents should record agreements between adjacent property owners regarding walls and fences at property lines with the land registry and submit a copy of the recorded agreement to the Building Commissioner to prevent future misunderstandings. The declaration must state the height of the wall or fence above ground level.

If a land-use plan or neighborhood plan for the area specifies something different than the rules outlined in these guidelines, the relevant plan takes precedence.

More about declaration of property division

Reykjavík City consent

If walls, fences and vegetation at property lines where Reykjavík City owns the adjacent lot meet the following conditions or fall under subsection e of Article 2.3.5 of building regulation No. 112/2012, you do not need to apply for Reykjavík City consent:

  • Walls, fences and vegetation at property lines facing a street or sidewalk/walking path cannot be higher than 1.20 m. This is to preserve sight lines and ensure safety for all road users.
  • Walls, fences and vegetation at property lines facing open areas cannot be higher than 1.50 m.
  • When defining wall or fence height, measurements are based on land that does not significantly differ from the elevation numbers on the survey sheet at property lines, or from existing ground level if no elevation sheet is available.

Residents are encouraged to intersperse fences and walls along streets and paths with planting areas.

Exemption

You can apply for exemptions in special cases from the above conditions at info@reykjavik.is. Exemption requests must include a drawing or plan of the relevant wall, fence or vegetation and an explanation of why the exemption should be granted and how traffic safety for all modes of transportation will be maintained despite the exemption.

Building regulation rules

  • You must apply for a building permit for the construction of walls or fences that are taller than 1.80 m above ground level. Depending on circumstances, a building permit application may require a planning process.
  • Retaining walls require a building permit. A retaining wall holds back soil and accommodates elevation differences.

Other

  • Land elevation at property lines is shown on elevation sheets. G = elevation at street. L = elevation at property lines. Elevation sheets are available on City Viewer.
  • G and L numbers are binding unless otherwise specified on the elevation sheet or in the land-use plan. Property owners can jointly request deviations from L numbers.
  • Current land-use plans can be accessed on Reykjavík City's Urban Planning Viewer.
  • The building regulation is available on the Housing and Construction Authority's website.