Find out if it is illegal to paint the exterior of your house
OVER time, the front of your house may need a lick of paint.
But homeowners may wonder if it is illegal to do so. Here we look at the laws surrounding painting the exterior of your property.
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Is it illegal to paint the outside of your house?
It is not illegal for homeowners to paint the exterior of their home, but laws vary by property.
Under the permitted development rights rules, owners of non-listed buildings do not need to apply for a building permit.
Homeowners who want to paint the exterior of their home are best advised to choose a neutral color.
If the building is listed as a monument or is part of a protected cityscape, they must request permission.
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It may be rejected if the plans jeopardize the historic character of the building.
Other reasons why owners of listed buildings are not allowed to paint the outside of their building may be that the architectural character or appearance of the protected area is not preserved.
What does Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 say about painting the outside of your home?
If you do not live in a listed building, you are not completely exempt from painting the exterior of your home.
The 1990 Spatial Planning Act provides that local authorities have the power current to determine whether the appearance of your home fits in with the atmosphere of the surroundings.
Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 includes the power to require good maintenance of land, which includes painting your house.
This allows a local planning authority to issue a notice requesting that the condition of the land be improved.
However, it is often used in places where buildings have fallen into disrepair.
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How much of a fine can you get for painting the outside of your house?
There is no fixed fine for painting the exterior of your home.
However, if it contravenes section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, you may be taken to the Magistrates’ Court.
You may also receive a notice if painting your house violates the building permit.
If you are unsure about the rules, please consult your local council first.
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