14.05.2026 16:00
Hanging laundry on balconies has been banned in Lorca, Spain, to preserve the city's aesthetics. The new regulation also prohibits many items that could create visual pollution on balconies. Those who violate the rules will face fines of up to 1500 euros.
The local government in Lorca, a town in Spain's Murcia region, has taken a notable decision. With the new regulation approved by the municipality, rules regarding balcony use have been tightened.
Under the "Regulation for the Protection of Citizen Life and Prevention of Social Disorder," a change has been made prohibiting the hanging of laundry on balconies where it is visible from the street.
NOT ONLY LAUNDRY
The new rules do not only cover clothes hung on balconies. Items such as mattresses, beds, and gas cylinders, which are said to cause visual pollution, are also prohibited from being kept on balconies or building facades.
The local government announced that the measure was prepared especially to preserve the city's appearance and create a more orderly look in tourist areas.
1500 EURO FINE FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
According to a report in The Local Spain, a graduated penalty system will be applied depending on the severity of the violation in the regulation.
For minor violations, such as hanging clothes on balcony railings or storing inappropriate items, fines will range from 151 to 750 euros. For serious violations, such as installing permanent clotheslines on main facades or keeping visible technical equipment, the fine amount can go up to 1500 euros.
PUBLIC GIVEN ONE-MONTH PERIOD
Lorca Mayor Fulgencio Gil said the regulation was prepared in response to complaints from citizens. Gil stated that they aim to preserve the city's tourist appearance.
The public has been given approximately one month to comply with the new rules. It has been reported that inspections will begin after this period, and fines will be imposed on those who do not comply.