Hello everyone,
In our new housing development, the zoning plan states: "For roofing, non-glossy or non-reflective materials are required[...]
Now, a neighbor has used satin-matte roof tiles that reflect so strongly in the summer that we even have to lower the blinds in our living room while sitting on the couch because the glare is so intense. The building authority says these are "satin-matte" tiles and not glossy ones, so they comply. However, the zoning plan explicitly mentions "glossy or reflective" tiles, not "glossy" alone.
Does anyone know if this is allowed or not?
Thanks and best regards
In our new housing development, the zoning plan states: "For roofing, non-glossy or non-reflective materials are required[...]
Now, a neighbor has used satin-matte roof tiles that reflect so strongly in the summer that we even have to lower the blinds in our living room while sitting on the couch because the glare is so intense. The building authority says these are "satin-matte" tiles and not glossy ones, so they comply. However, the zoning plan explicitly mentions "glossy or reflective" tiles, not "glossy" alone.
Does anyone know if this is allowed or not?
Thanks and best regards
I actually wondered about this as well. Our general contractor didn’t receive the selected bricks, so they ended up using ones with a glaze. When I saw how shiny they were, I asked my contractor the same question. We also have a similar clause in the development plan. I was told that it is meant only to exclude glazed bricks.
However, this clause doesn't seem very legally secure, based on a quick internet search. After all, for example, solar panels and photovoltaics reflect much more, yet they are politically encouraged. I think you just have to accept that. The period during which the sun reflects directly into a window is relatively short and shifts throughout the year. Apparently, there was a successful lawsuit in Minden in 2015 concerning a similar development plan, but in that case genuinely glazed bricks were installed.
However, this clause doesn't seem very legally secure, based on a quick internet search. After all, for example, solar panels and photovoltaics reflect much more, yet they are politically encouraged. I think you just have to accept that. The period during which the sun reflects directly into a window is relatively short and shifts throughout the year. Apparently, there was a successful lawsuit in Minden in 2015 concerning a similar development plan, but in that case genuinely glazed bricks were installed.
ha – same here...
Unfortunately, I’m not able to use the search function well enough to find and link my posts and probably photos related to this.
Anyway, I called our local building authority (in NRW), and the information I got was:
Submit an application for someone to come and inspect and take photos. That will cost you money for the person who comes out, and if they come on a cloudy day, you won’t be able to show the glare, so your request will be denied. Oh, and of course, you’ll become the neighborhood nuisance for going to the authorities...
In the end, you don’t stand a chance – I’ve been frustrated every single sunny day over the last two years because the glare is really incredible. Fortunately, we have external blinds (roller shutters), so I don’t have to darken the entire room. This year, we’re planning a thin, light-filtering curtain for the edge of the terrace roof, which should help reduce the glare somewhat...
But honestly – if I had seen those bricks at the building supply store on a cloudy day, I could have chosen them too. I actually like them matte that way. And how was I supposed to know they would glare so much in the sun – I never would have thought of that.
Unfortunately, I’m not able to use the search function well enough to find and link my posts and probably photos related to this.
Anyway, I called our local building authority (in NRW), and the information I got was:
Submit an application for someone to come and inspect and take photos. That will cost you money for the person who comes out, and if they come on a cloudy day, you won’t be able to show the glare, so your request will be denied. Oh, and of course, you’ll become the neighborhood nuisance for going to the authorities...
In the end, you don’t stand a chance – I’ve been frustrated every single sunny day over the last two years because the glare is really incredible. Fortunately, we have external blinds (roller shutters), so I don’t have to darken the entire room. This year, we’re planning a thin, light-filtering curtain for the edge of the terrace roof, which should help reduce the glare somewhat...
But honestly – if I had seen those bricks at the building supply store on a cloudy day, I could have chosen them too. I actually like them matte that way. And how was I supposed to know they would glare so much in the sun – I never would have thought of that.
Our neighbor has high-gloss roof tiles, even though the zoning plan forbids them, in black, quite flashy. But the rest of us on the street don’t mind; it’s a matter of taste and it doesn’t bother me. In my opinion, his solar panels reflect much more, and every planning official seems to approve of those.
Müllerin schrieb:
Called the building authority / planning officeThat’s typical for villagers. First, they start gentrifying the area and then report to the authorities. 😀
No, the biggest risk with situations like this is that the bricks will be properly replaced, but since you’re already on the roof, the photovoltaic system might be updated as well. There’s really nothing to object to about that.
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