Flagpole heights in Norway: common heights and municipal rules
Published Written by Flagpole Guides
This page is an English translation of the Norwegian original. Where the two versions differ, the Norwegian text is the original.
Norwegian flagpoles are often tall. Many houses have poles of 8 to 12 metres, and even taller poles are not unusual at large houses and farmyards. The height depends on the house, the plot, the flag size and the wind, and in some cases on municipal plans.
Common heights
| Use | Common height |
|---|---|
| Balcony or wall pole | 1.5–3 m |
| Cabin and low house | 8–9 m |
| Two-storey house | 10–12 m |
| Large villas | 12–16 m |
| Businesses and public buildings | 8–12 m, often several poles |
The heights for cabins and houses are Flaggshop’s figures. The height is measured above ground. The part set in the foundation comes in addition.
Rules of thumb
Flaggstangsfabrikken gives as a rule of thumb that one third of the flagpole is above the roof ridge of the house, and links the height directly to the building:
| Building height | Flagpole height | Flag | Pennant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m | 4 m | 150 cm | 150 cm |
| 4 m | 6 m | 200 cm | 200 cm |
| 5 m | 7 m | 250 cm | 250 cm |
| 6 m | 9 m | 300 cm | 300 cm |
| 7 m | 10 m | 350 cm | 350 cm |
| 8 m | 12 m | 400 cm | 400 cm |
| 11 m | 14 m | 450 cm | 450 cm |
| 12 m | 16 m | 500 cm | 500 cm |
Flaggshop states that the pole is often 2 to 4 metres taller than the building, and that the position on the plot also matters. Both stress that the figures are for guidance.
Height and flag size
The taller the pole, the larger the flag that fits. Norwegian makers put the flag’s length at about one third of the pole’s height. A 9-metre pole thus gives a flag of around 300 centimetres. More in the guide to flag sizes and in the flag size calculator.
Municipal rules
The Planning and Building Act does not mention flagpoles. According to the Norwegian Municipal Engineering Association (NKF), the ministry has taken the view that flagpoles are not measures requiring a permit under the building part of the Act, but that they fall under the concept of measures in the planning part. Municipalities can therefore regulate position and height in zoning provisions, and even ban flagpoles.
NKF also writes that several municipalities have stated on their websites that flagpoles up to 9 metres are exempt from the permit requirement. Height can therefore matter in municipal practice. The municipality can give information on what applies to the individual property, and more on that is in the guide to flagpole installation.
Wind and position
A tall pole with a large flag creates a large wind load, and wind conditions vary greatly in Norway. Flaggfabrikken points out that a large flag can break a flagpole in strong wind. Distance to buildings, trees, power lines and the neighbour’s plot matters for the position, and a falling pole needs room. More in the guide to flagpole safety. What height means for the price is covered in the guide to buying a flagpole.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a typical flagpole in Norway?
The retailer Flaggshop gives 8 to 9 metres for cabins and low houses, 10 to 12 metres for two-storey houses and 12 to 16 metres for large villas. The maker Flaggstangsfabrikken gives, for example, 9 metres for a 6-metre house and 12 metres for an 8-metre house.
What is the rule of thumb for flagpole height in Norway?
Flaggstangsfabrikken gives as a rule of thumb that one third of the flagpole is above the roof ridge of the house. Flaggshop states that the pole is often 2 to 4 metres taller than the building.
Is there a height limit for flagpoles in Norway?
There is no height limit for flagpoles in the Planning and Building Act. According to the Norwegian Municipal Engineering Association, municipalities can regulate position and height in zoning provisions. Some municipalities have previously given 9 metres as the limit for exemption from the permit requirement.
What size of flag suits a 10-metre pole?
Flaggfabrikken gives 300 centimetres as the flag length for a 10-metre pole, alternatively 350 centimetres, and a pennant of 350 centimetres.
Sources
This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Norwegian:
- Hvilken høyde skal flaggstangen ha? – Flaggstangsfabrikken (produsent)
- Guide for flagg og flaggstang – Flaggshop (forhandler)
- Norske flagg og vimpler – flagg- og vimpelstørrelser – Flaggfabrikken (produsent)
- Søknadsplikt for flaggstenger? – Norsk Kommunalteknisk Forening (NKF)
- Flaggstang og flagganlegg – Sarpsborg kommune
Related guides
- Flag sizesFlag sizes in Norway: the rule of thumb of one third of the pole, standard sizes for the Norwegian flag in 16:22 and common pennant lengths per pole height.
- Flagpole installationInstalling a flagpole in Norway: permits under the Planning and Building Act, municipal plans, the 100-metre belt, cooperatives, foundation and position.
- Types of flagpolesFlagpoles with external or internal halyard, tilting and telescopic poles, balcony poles and flag installations: the types of flagpole in Norway.
- Flag size calculatorCalculator showing the flag and pennant size for a given pole height by the rule of thumb of Norwegian flag makers and the flag’s proportions of 16:22.
- Buying a flagpoleBuying a flagpole in Norway: what affects the price – height, material, halyard, foundation, delivery and installation – and the rights buyers have.