In Riga, the municipality offers about 40 plots for family gardens. In particular, the plots on Jaunciems Gatve - the street that encircles Lake Kisezers from the eastern and northern sides.
Where to find information?
Information about all available gardens is provided on the Riga City Council website — www.riga.lv in the section "Informācija par brīvajiem mazdārziņiem" ("Information about available small gardens").
There are lists of plots and phone numbers of responsible officials. For example, on Jaunciems Gatve, 16 plots of various sizes are offered.
Who can receive a plot
The service can be obtained by both individuals and associations, but preference will be given to large families, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals.
A sample application (which is provided in the section on available gardens) can be filled out and sent to the email address diipp@riga.lv, or mailed to the Property Department of the Riga City Council at R. Wagner Street 5, Riga, LV-2015. This can also be done through the portal www.latvija.lv.
For additional information, you can call the toll-free number 80001201 or write to the email aic@riga.lv.
Questions can also be asked at the Customer Service Center of the Property Department of the Riga City Council at the phone number 67012590.
About costs and houses
The rental cost may vary depending on the area of the plot. Usually, the rent for the land is 1.5% of the cadastral value if the contract is concluded for a period of 1 to 3 years, and 2.5% if for 3 to 5 years.
You will have to pay for garbage removal yourself.
Among the obvious disadvantages of such gardens: according to regulations, on the territory of the rented free family garden, a utility building can be installed with an area of no more than 5 sq.m.
This can only be a shed for storing tools, which can be demolished at any time if the land is needed by the city. You will also have to cover the costs for this.
