Many homeowners are surprised. These changes may mean additional bills
Some property owners may be subject to an additional fee. All you need to do is meet a few conditions regarding the plot and development.
Many property owners do not realize that building a home terrace or driveway may involve paying an additional fee. However, it is not about the mere fact of constructing such elements, but about meeting certain conditions resulting from the provisions of water law.
The fee for reducing natural land retention is one of the fees for water services. It arises when construction or other works carried out on the property limit the natural retention of rainwater by the ground.
When can a property owner be subject to the fee?
The mere construction of a terrace or driveway does not mean the obligation to pay. It is necessary to simultaneously meet several statutory conditions. The area of the property must exceed 3,500 m², and more than 70% of the biologically active area must be excluded. area, and the property cannot be covered by a functioning open or closed sewage system.
The regulations indicate that a biologically active surface is an area enabling natural plant vegetation and rainwater retention. Therefore, if a concrete terrace, driveway or other hardening causes the statutory threshold to be exceeded, the owner may be obliged to pay a fee.
Who has to pay it?
The regulations cover more than just property owners. The obligation may also apply to sole proprietors, perpetual usufructuaries, as well as holders of real estate belonging to the State Treasury or local government units.
The exception is provided for, among others: for churches, other religious associations and maritime offices, which are exempt from this fee even if they meet other conditions specified in the Act.
What does the amount of the debt depend on?
The amount of the fee is determined based on the size of the area excluded from the biologically active area and the retention solutions used. The calculations also take into account the unit rates specified in the regulations.
The settlement period is one quarter. The commune head, mayor or president of the city provides the obligor with information containing the amount of the debt, the method of its calculation and the payment deadline. The fee must be paid within 14 days of delivery of the information.
What are the consequences of non-payment?
If the fee is not paid on time, the commune authority may issue an administrative decision specifying its amount. After the decision is issued, the owner again receives a payment deadline.
Further evasion of the obligation may result in the initiation of enforcement proceedings. Interest for late payment may also be added to the amount due. A person who does not agree with the fee charged has the right to file a complaint, but filing a complaint does not suspend the obligation to pay.
