From April 1st, the platform for submitting plot cleaning declarations will be open in preparation for the new fire prevention period starting on May 1st.
Plot owners and responsible parties have until April 30th to declare the condition of their properties. Complaints about untidy plots can be submitted through the platform akatharista.apps.gov.gr.
When Imprisonment Penalties Apply
The law imposes strict penalties on those who fail to comply with plot cleaning obligations. The most severe penalty concerns the submission of a false declaration to the National Cleaning Register.
If it is found that the declaration is false, the responsible party faces imprisonment of up to 2 years and a financial penalty ranging from 180 to 360 daily units. The value of each unit ranges from €70 to €150.
Fines for Untidy Plots
The legislation also imposes hefty fines for untidy plots. Specifically:
- A fine of €0.50 per square meter, with a minimum amount of €200, for those who fail to proceed with cleaning. Additionally, owners will be charged for the municipality’s self-imposed cleaning costs.
- If the mandatory cleaning declaration is not submitted by April 30th, the fine amounts to €1,000.
In case of a fine, individuals have the right to file an objection within 10 days with the competent municipality. If the objection is rejected or not submitted within the deadline, the municipality will proceed with self-imposed cleaning within 5 days.
What Plot Cleaning Includes
Plot cleaning tasks include:
- Cutting and removing dry and broken trees and branches, as well as branches in direct contact with buildings.
- Removing combustible plant material from the ground surface, including fallen leaves, dry grass, and dry branches.
- Pruning tree crowns to increase the height from the ground, depending on the tree’s age and species.
- Thinning out shrub vegetation to reduce ground cover.
- Removing any abandoned, flammable, or explosive materials, objects, and waste.
- Safely collecting and transporting all cleaning residues.
Who Is Obliged to Submit Declarations and Clean Plots
Obligated parties include owners, tenants, and occupants of plot areas and other uncovered spaces located in:
- Areas within approved urban planning schemes.
- Areas within settlement boundaries without an approved urban planning scheme.
- Areas within a 100-meter radius from the above areas (a) and (b), after notification from the competent forestry authority.
Out-of-plan land with buildings, for areas not subject to forestry legislation according to the local forest map and following notification from the competent forestry authority.
These individuals must clean the designated areas from April 1st to April 30th each year and maintain them throughout the fire prevention period, from May 1st to October 31st, to reduce the risk of fire outbreak or rapid spread.
The regulation does not apply to maintained and landscaped gardens or planted surfaces of uncovered spaces in buildings, apartment complexes, and similar areas.
Fire season: A Crucial Time for Safety
The fire prevention period (May 1st – October 31st) is critical for preventing wildfires. Regular cleaning significantly reduces the risk of ignition and rapid fire spread, protecting lives and property.
Keep your plots tidy and submit your declaration on time at akatharista.apps.gov.gr