Poznań joins cities that introduce charges for the usage of urban space due to structural elements specified as balconies or stairs protruding into public areas. Are akin expenses waiting for residents in another places like Warsaw?
RULES FOR CALCULATION OF FEES
The Municipal Road Administration in Poznań announced that the owners of buildings with balconies little than 2.5 metres above the pavement would gotta pay yearly fees, which could scope up to PLN 180. akin rules apply to stairs and another parts of buildings protruding above public space.
The fee varies according to the size of the balcony. For balconies above 2.5 metres above the pavement, the fee is symbolic 1 cent a day per square metre. For lower constructions, the fee increases to 10 groszy per square metre per day, which may exceed the amount of about PLN 182.5 per year.
ZDM manager in Poznań, Krzysztof Olejniczak, emphasises that the fresh regulations are not only aimed at regulating financial issues, but besides at improving the comfort and safety of the usage of urban space. Balconies placed below may make it hard for passers-by, so higher charges are essential for specified constructions.
What about another towns?
The list of cities that have already applied akin charges, specified as Szczecinek, Lublin, Kraków and Gliwice, has increased to Poznań. The question of whether this kind of taxation will become a common solution in another Polish cities is now even more relevant.
It is crucial to note that residents of another large cities in Poland, specified as Warsaw, must besides prepare for the increase in property charges in the coming year. The capital announces an increase of PLN 1 per square metre of usable space, which represents an increase of 11 groszy compared to the erstwhile year. However, there is presently no information about the planned introduction of a fresh taxation for property owners having balconies over the pavement.
NOT ONLY IN POLAND
Fees for the usage of urban space by building construction elements, specified as balconies or stairs protruding into public areas, can be applied in various cities around the world, although they are usually defined in the context of local urban and taxation regulations.
- New York City, USA: In fresh York City there is simply a concept of air rights that can be sold or rented. This means that building owners can pay for the right to usage airspace over pavements, for example for marquises, balconies or bridges connecting buildings.
- Paris, France: In Paris and another French cities, balconies frequently scope public space. In any cases, owners may be required to pay fees for occupying this space, especially if it is simply a fresh construction or expansion of an existing building.
- Rome, Italy: As in Paris, Rome and another Italian cities may have regulations on protruding building elements, although details may vary according to local regulations.
- Barcelona, Spain: In Barcelona, as in another European cities, regulations on public spaces may require charges for balconies and another architectural elements protruding into public areas.
- Hong Kong: In Hong Kong, due to its advanced build density, there are strict rules for the usage of urban space, which may include charges for architectural elements extending beyond the outline of the building.
Ignacy Michałowski
OSINT investigator with experience in global journalism projects. It has been publishing materials for over 20 years for the largest releases. In social activities he engaged in various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people, especially those of mediocre communities. He was besides active in the fight for human rights. Contact: [email protected]
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Do you own a balcony? From now on you will gotta pay 180 PLN of fresh tax:
