Setting up domestic air conditioning could require permits in Latvia

Take note – story published 2 years ago

The uncharacteristic heat in Latvia has made many consider installing an air-conditioning unit in their home. In some cases, this requires a permit, Latvian Television reported July 18.

If the entire conditioning unit is located inside an apartment or house, then there is no concern. But the installation of larger equipment intended to be placed outside the house requires a permit.

Larger and smaller boxes of cooling equipment keep emerging on the walls of houses. But not all have been set up according to the rules. In Rīga, for example, it is stipulated that equipment must not be placed on the front of the building without a construction project, and must not impair the architectural shape of the building.

Those who plan to install the conditioning unit on the back wall may feel freer, since then the approval of the construction authority is not required. In all cases, however, one must coordinate the installing of such a unit with the rest of the building's residents.

According to the representative of Riga City Council Development department Inese Pabērza: “These types of systems affect the fundamental quality of the building, can influence the living conditions of others, and the architectonic solution is important for all.”

In the capital, additional consent is required if the building for which the conditioning is intended is located in the territory of the historic center.

The Ministry of Economy (EM) said that the rules of the local government should be consulted before the installation of any conditioning units.

Andris Lazarevs, deputy director of the EM Construction Policy Department, said: “There are local governments where it is prohibited to place [a conditioning unit] in front of the building, there is nothing doing about it. If a person wants to put it facing the street and the local government will not allow it, it makes no sense to require a permit, so first, look at how the local government has stipulated it.”

Even if the permits have been obtained, the installation of a two-part conditioner will still require a consultation with a building specialist who will determine the most suitable place for the fitting of the conditioner. The construction authority can a person to remove the equipment if it has been installed arbitrarily.

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