250 PLN fine for homeowners. Ignoring the obligation will not pay off
- The serial number must be visible and easy to read from the road or property.
- To obtain a number, you must submit an appropriate application to the commune along with the required documents.
- Assigning a serial number is free of charge, but stamp duties may apply in the case of certificates or powers of attorney.
According to Article 64 of the Code of Petty Offences, every property owner, administrator or caretaker is obliged to ensure that the building has a clearly visible serial number. Failure to do so may result in a PLN 250 fine imposed by the city or municipal guard.
To be more precise, the building number should be clearly visible and readable even from outside the property boundaries. After the change in regulations in 2023 , the number does not have to be illuminated , unless the municipal council decides otherwise. If the residential building is located far from the entrance to the property, then its number should be placed on the gate or entrance gate.
Interestingly, the regulations do not specify whether apartment owners are also subject to this obligation.
Your house number can save your life or make mail delivery easierIt might seem that a large, visible from the road house number sign is just a whim. However, it turns out that for a postman, ambulance, fire brigade or police it is a key convenience that allows them to carry out their tasks efficiently and quickly. And in extreme cases it can even save lives.
Building numbers are determined by:
- Department of Ordinal Numbering and Street Naming (in larger cities);
- geodesy and spatial management department (in smaller communes or rural towns);
- construction and architecture department (in the commune or city office).
Regardless of whether we want to assign a number to an existing building, one under construction or a building in the planning stage, to obtain a serial number you must submit an application containing the name and surname or business name of the applicant , address, description of the subject of the application and information on the location of the building.
It is advisable to attach a map with the building marked to the application and - depending on the situation - a building permit or a document confirming the commencement of construction.
In the case of buildings planned to be constructed on plots not covered by the local spatial development plan , it is necessary to provide a final decision on the conditions of development and land development with a graphic annex or a final decision on the building permit together with a copy of the plot development plan.
After receiving the decision to assign a serial number, property owners have 30 days to place a plate with the number in a visible place on the building or fence .
Assigning a serial number is free of charge with two exceptions:
- when we want to obtain a certificate confirming the assigned number (e.g. for official, notarial, etc. purposes) - then a stamp duty of PLN 17 may apply;
- when the application for assigning a serial number is submitted by the proxy and not the owner - a fee of PLN 17 for establishing a power of attorney.
