Condominium playgrounds represent an important recreational space for children and families within shared living contexts. However, their construction must comply with specific urban planning and safety regulations, especially regarding the minimum distances to be respected from buildings, windows, roads and other elements of the condominium.
What rules should be followed to avoid legal problems and ensure a safe environment?
In this article, we will explore what the minimum distances are required by law and local regulations, and what precautions must be taken to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all condominium members.
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General regulations on distances
In Italy, the construction of a condominium playground must comply with a series of regulations that govern the minimum distances between buildings and spaces used for common use. Although there are no specific laws that exclusively regulate the distance of a playground within a condominium, it is important to refer to the broader regulatory framework, which includes the Civil Code and local planning regulations.
The Civil Code Article 873 regulates the minimum distance between buildings, set at at least 10 footunless local regulations provide otherwise.
Article No. 873 of the Civil Code
Distances in buildingsBuildings on adjacent plots, if not joined or adherent, must be kept at a distance of no less than three meters. A greater distance may be established in local regulations.
This rule is fundamental, as it establishes that there must be adequate space between buildings to avoid overlaps that could generate privacy conflicts or security-related issues.
In the case of play areas, even if they are not considered “constructions”, respecting a reasonable distance from homes is crucial to prevent disturbances due to noise or intense movements.
In addition to the Civil Code, one of the main laws to refer to is the Ministerial Decree No. 1444 of 1968which establishes the limits of building density and the distances between buildings and public spaces or spaces intended for collective use. Although it does not directly deal with playgrounds, this decree provides useful indications to ensure an adequate distance between play areas and homes, especially in terms of health and quality of life.
Finally, it is essential to consult the municipal building regulationswhich may vary from municipality to municipality. In many cases, these regulations impose specific minimum distances to prevent the playground from being too close to the windows of homes, usually requiring at least 10 meters away.
This measure not only protects the privacy of residents, but also reduces the acoustic impact, maintaining a balance between the space dedicated to play and the tranquility of the condominium.
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Minimum distances from borders and buildings
One of the most delicate issues in the creation of a condominium playground concerns the minimum distance to be respected from residential buildings and property boundaries. Although national regulations do not specify specific distances for playgrounds, it is important to refer to municipal building codes, which often set minimum distances to avoid noise, invasion of privacy and safety issues.
Generally, local regulations may require that the playground be located at least 10 meters from the windows of the houses, to ensure the peace and privacy of the residents. In addition, it may be necessary to maintain a distance of 5 meters from property boundaries to avoid conflicts with neighboring homes.
These distances, however, may vary from municipality to municipality, so it is always advisable to consult the local building regulations before starting work.
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Safety regulations in condominium playgrounds
In addition to the minimum distances, it is essential to comply with the safety regulations for playgrounds. These spaces, mainly frequented by children, must be built following specific instructions to avoid accidents or injuries. One of the most relevant regulations is the UNI EN 1176 standardwhich establishes safety requirements for playground equipment and its installation.
This regulation requires, for example, that all equipment, such as slides, swings or spring games, be installed in such a way as to guarantee a safe distance from other games and nearby structures. In addition, there must be anti-trauma surfaces under the equipment to cushion any falls. Periodic maintenance of the structures is also mandatory to ensure safety over time.
These measures not only protect children, but also the condominium management from potential legal liability in the event of accidents.
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Condominium responsibilities and condominium authorization
Another crucial aspect in the construction of a condominium playground is the management of responsibilities and the involvement of the condominium assembly. The construction of a playground within the common area generally requires the consent of the majority of the condominium members.
According to art. 1136 of the Civil Code, to approve works to modify common areas, such as the construction of a playground, it is necessary to obtain a qualified majority (50% + 1) of those present at the condominium meeting, representing at least 50% of the value of the building.
Additionally, the condominium is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the playground, which means that any accidents due to negligence or lack of maintenance could lead to legal consequences.
For this reason, it is advisable to entrust the maintenance to specialized companies and to take out insurance to cover any damage or injury.
