Dozens of cottage owners receive notices from Kivinokkalaiset Association in Helsinki

Dozens of summer cottage owners in Helsinki are receiving unwelcome notices from the Kivinokkalaiset Association. They have been reminded that the environment surrounding their summer cottages on public recreational areas needs to be kept tidy.

“Most are aware of the rules and accept them. Older residents are more worried, as they may not have the capacity for larger renovations. I have received some rather furious phone calls about this issue,” said Anna Kähkönen, the chairperson of the Kivinokkalaiset Association. Kähkönen is one of the senders of these messages, which are part of a larger initiative also affecting other summer cottage associations in Kivinokka and throughout Helsinki.

The city aims to rectify problems that have developed over decades, as residents have transformed local natural spaces first into permanent camping areas and then into constructed cottages with various amenities. Over time, the surrounding areas have become more enclosed, with increases in both the items stored and the size of outdoor structures.

“These are public recreational areas, and we wish to maintain them for everyone’s use. We want to ensure that the cottage owners do not spread out or enclose their areas, allowing everyone to enjoy the space and making it visually tidy,” explained Sinikka Hangasmaa-Puska, the city’s property adviser.

Currently, members of the Kivinokkalaiset Association are being notified of necessary adjustments due to new building guidelines established last autumn. These specify that cottages should not exceed 14 square meters, with additional limits on storage and terrace space. Permanent structures such as grills or planters are also prohibited.

Although ongoing interpretations and adjustments regarding the regulations are being discussed, all summer cottages must comply with the new rules by the end of this year.