Can you spend the night on a ROD plot? The regulations are clear on this matter

It is estimated that around 4 million Poles use Family Allotment Gardens (ROD). A kind of boom in the purchase of such plots occurred during the pandemic, when, in the face of the introduced restrictions, many people wanted to have a piece of land where they could spend time without explaining to anyone.

Is it possible to live in a ROD?

ROD plots are located on the outskirts of cities, so going for a rest doesn’t take much time. In addition to resting, you can grow vegetables and fruit there. Many people build small buildings on the plots, which are used, among other things, to store tools. Can you live in these houses? This issue is decided by the regulations.

This document – ​​as Wirtualna Polska reminds us – contains both the rights and obligations of the person who uses the ROD. The regulations clearly state that it is not possible to live permanently on such plots. This does not mean that it is not possible to spend the night there. The regulations indicate that temporary stay on the plot is permitted. However, it must be remembered that, among other things, disturbing the peace of the neighbours is prohibited.

Failure to comply with the regulations may result in the loss of the right to use the ROD.

These plots are the property of the Polish Allotment Gardeners Association. You cannot buy them outright, you only acquire the right to use them.

Gardeners are worried about the future

Recently, the issue of allotment gardens has been arousing interest in connection with the amendment to the Spatial Planning and Development Act passed last year. The amendment introduces a new planning tool for the entire commune – a general plan. Among other things, it assumes the introduction of so-called planning zones. The regulations provide for the possibility of creating thirteen types of such zones, and allotment gardens have been specified in only three of them. Allotment gardeners fear that there is a real risk that decisions will be made regarding a significant part of allotment gardens that will open the possibility of their liquidation. The Ministry of Development and Technology reassures that the new regulations are not intended to liquidate allotment gardens, informing that large and medium-sized allotment complexes are to be included in a separate greenery and recreation zone, while individual allotment gardens will be included in a multifunctional zone. The ministry assures that final decisions regarding the division of the commune area into individual zones will be preceded by public consultations.