Chamonix : The rules to delimit your land
Before planting trees or a hedge, or asking your neighbor to maintain his plantations, it is advisable to know the minimum distances in force on your commune. French law stipulates that a certain height and distance must not be exceeded. A tree or shrub exceeding 2 meters in height at maturity must be planted after 2 meters of the property line. Trees and hedges not exceeding 2 meters must be after 50 centimeters of the next property line.
These rules from the urbanism code can be adapted according to the commune. It is important to note that in Chamonix, the town hall has not made any changes to the national rules.
If the boundary of a plot of land with a neighbor is not clearly defined, it is possible to call upon a professional land surveyor. In the case of an amicable demarcation, the surveyor intervenes at the request of the two neighbors in question. In the case of a judicial demarcation, i.e. in the absence of an agreement on the separating limits, the court mandates a professional.
Reaching a common agreement with your neighbor
Maintaining your garden is not always easy when you have a neighbor. If the two properties are bounded by a simple common hedge, it will be considered as common. It will belong to you in half. Thus, it is up to you and your neighbor to maintain 50% of the vegetation.
You also have the right to pull up the roots of the neighbouring tree that are on your property. Conversely, it is not permitted to cut a branch that is protruding onto your property. You need an agreement to cut.
If your neighbor has a large apple tree that drops its fruit in your garden, you are allowed to pick it up without his permission. However, you are not allowed to pick them directly from the source. Whatever the situation, don't hesitate to communicate with your neighbors, so that you can maintain a good relationship with them and make your daily life more comfortable!
Gardening in a condominium
You live in a building and you lack greenery? By definition, the common areas of a condominium belong to all the residents. You cannot install a potted plant or flowers on a common terrace, an interior courtyard, in the hall or on the stairs without the agreement of everyone. You need permission from all the condo owners and talk to the managing agency.
