Strict Penalties for Unauthorized Cultivation and Use of Marijuana in Dachas: Violators Face Potential Fines
Grilling, Bonfires, & More: A Dacha Owner's Guide to Avoiding Fines
Let's face it: when it's your six hundred square meters of land, it's easy to think you can do whatever you want. But dacha owners might want to reconsider, as fines can be a reality for those who ignore the rules. Our survey of legal experts revealed that the most common reason for fines is complaints from neighbors.
So, here's a rundown of what not to do on your plot and the potential penalties.
Grills & Fire Safety
Fire safety regulations necessitate cooking on your personal plot using specialized devices such as grills or outdoor grills. But it's essential to maintain certain distances:
- Keep the grill at least five meters away from the house
- Ensure a two-meter radius around the grill is free from flammable items like dry branches, litter, paper bags, wooden garden furniture, etc.
Fine: From 5,000 to 15,000 rubles during normal weather conditions. During the special fire hazard period (dry weather), the fine increases to 10,000 to 20,000 rubles.
Bonfires & Waste Disposal
Bonfires on your plot can be risky business. Here's what you should know before lighting up:
- Burning anything without appropriate precautions (in a pit at least 30 cm deep and at least 1 meter in diameter) is generally off-limits.
- There must be a 15-meter distance from the nearest buildings during a bonfire.
- Within a 10-meter radius of the fire, there should be nothing that can easily catch fire (dry grass, leaves, branches, wooden structures, etc.).
If you'd rather dispose of waste and dry wood safely, consider using a metal barrel:
- Minimum distance to the nearest building: 7.5 meters
- Barrel should be metal, have a solid base, and a volume no more than one cubic meter
- Barrel should feature a lid or a metal sheet that can quickly cover the fire if necessary.
- Keep simple fire-fighting tools like a bucket of water or sand nearby.
Fine: From 5,000 to 15,000 rubles during regular weather conditions. During the special fire prevention period (dry weather), the fine is 10,000 to 20,000 rubles.
** Green Blacklist**
In February 2024, the list of controlled plants containing narcotic or psychotropic substances expanded. The three-colored morning glory is now included. You'll need to remove this plant from your garden.
Additionally, the blacklist includes opium poppy, cannabis, turbinaria, blue lotus, Mimosa hostilis, diviner's sage, and more than a dozen other plants. To avoid fines, be sure to check the government website for the complete list of banned garden plants.
Fine: From 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (or up to 15 days of administrative arrest) for each plant found. If more than ten bushes of the three-colored morning glory are present, you may face up to two years in prison under Article 231 of the Criminal Code.
Weeds
Invasive weeds like giant hogweed can also cause trouble. While fines are typically small (300 to 500 rubles, according to federal law), in some regions like Moscow, additional penalties may apply.
Washing a car on a garden plot can potentially lead to fines for harming the environment. In some regions, washing cars outside designated areas is prohibited, like in the Moscow region.
Fine: From 100 to 500 rubles if washing a car causes harm to health and epidemiological wellbeing. Up to 5,000 rubles in regions with specific bans or if soil pollution is present.
Other Considerations
Avoid placing a toilet near a well. Toilets should have hermetically sealed waste containers, and specific distances must be maintained:
- At least 12 meters from the neighboring house
- At least 8 meters from a well or borehole
Fine: From 100 to 5,000 rubles based on the circumstances and accusations (the upper limit applies if soil pollution or an improper toilet is within a water protection zone).
Quiet hours (various times depending on region) apply to dachas as well. Fines range from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, though regional law variations may apply.
Digging up small, cute fir trees, rowans, and other liked trees in the forest to transplant onto your own plot is legally the same as illegal felling, even of dead wood. Procure saplings only from a nursery or kindly ask a neighbor.
Fine: 3,000 to 4,000 rubles.
Remember, each region may have additional rules and penalties, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid any surprises. Happy Dacha-ing!
Engaging in sports on your plot could lead to complaints from neighbors and potential fines, as they might perceive it as disruptive or distracting.If you're planning to grow certain plants in your garden, always check the official government website to ensure they are not on the blacklist and are not subject to fines or even criminal penalties.*Maintaining proper distances between your cooking devices and surrounding structures is crucial not only for safety reasons but also to prevent fines. Always follow the recommended minimum distances as specified by the fire safety regulations.
