Building a house is one of the most important investments of your life. That is why it is crucial that every element of the property is not only sound and aesthetically pleasing, but also complies with current legislation. Contrary to what you might think, the decision on the type and colour of the roof is not just up to the homeowner. Find out what guidelines apply!
Zoning plan and roof colour and type
The investor might seem to have complete freedom in matters that directly affect his property. Nothing could be further from the truth! Local regulations may regulate, for example, the permissible height of a building or the roofing colour. Where can you look for information on the applicable criteria? First and foremost, in the local zoning plan.
What exactly is an LSDP (Local Spatial Development Plan)? It is a local legal act which, among other things, specifies the purpose, permissible appearance and size of buildings to be built on allocated plots. The LSDP also contains information on the minimum distances that must be maintained between neighbouring properties. It is, therefore, a critical piece of legislation for social coexistence.
In which areas are restrictions most common?
Restrictions relating to the colour of the roofing material are most commonly introduced in:
- localities in the vicinity of landscape and national parks,
- conservation protection zones.
The latter case, in particular, requires broader clarification. If your property is to be built in a conservation area, the provisions of the LSDP alone may not be sufficient. In this case, you should consult the conservation officer even before starting construction work. The Conservation Officer is the decision-maker on issues such as the type and colour of roofing. The Conservation officer’s guidelines may be quite general (e.g. dark green roof colour) or more specific (e.g. tiles with a flat profile and matt finish). It all depends on the conservation area and the conservation officer assigned to it.
Where to look for guidance on roof type and colour?
Local zoning plans for most localities are available on the website of the Public Information Bulletin. You can also read the document in person at the municipality or town hall.
If the LSDP indicates that the site in question is within an archaeological conservation area, you should consult the information available on the provincial historic conservation officer’s website. Usually, the architect who designs the building is responsible for LSDP issues. Remember, however, that it is the property owner’s responsibility to comply with the necessary requirements and that they will be liable to penalties in the event of non-compliance.
Penalties for non-compliance
Even if you have complete confidence in the architect you have chosen to work with, it is better to be safe than sorry! Therefore, by consulting your local zoning plan and, if necessary, contacting the conservation authority, you can protect yourself from unpleasant consequences. What are the risks if you break the rules?
- Financial penalty;
- criminal liability;
- an order to halt construction work,
- an order to demolish the property,
- an order to bring the building into line with current regulations.
Admittedly, you may not be ordered to demolish your house if you paint the roof the wrong colour, but you may be ordered to repaint it or be fined heavily. This is why knowing the law is crucial at every property building stage.
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