Family in Haifa built balconies without neighbors' permission. Court: demolish

The Haifa District Court rejected an appeal by apartment owners who built two balconies and awnings without neighbor consent. The judges supported the demand of 12 other apartment owners for demolition. Legalizing the additions required approval from 75% of residents (24 out of 32 apartments), which was not obtained. The court granted 90 days to try to reach an agreement with the neighbors.

The Haifa District Court rejected an appeal by apartment owners in a multi-story building who were ordered to demolish two illegally built balconies and awnings. The judges sided with 12 neighbors who did not consent to the additions. The case involves a long building with 32 apartments and 4 entrances. The owners of one apartment broke through external walls for balconies without obtaining a building permit or neighbor consent. The local authority commission later approved an application for one balcony, but two were actually built. The property registration inspector ordered the demolition and restoration of the facade. The family appealed, citing the existence of balconies in other apartments and the principle of equality, as well as an old permit issued to previous owners. The court rejected these arguments: construction required consent from 24 of 32 apartments (75%), which was not obtained. The old permit is invalid because the new balconies differ in size and location. The owners were ordered to pay 15,000 shekels in legal costs. The court postponed enforcement for 90 days, giving the owners time to try to obtain neighbor consent.