"I Report the Neighbor Who Installed an Air Conditioner Next Door" Resident Conflict Intensifies Over Scenic Damage in Italian Wealthy District

Increased Distrust Among Residents Due to Authorities' Air Conditioner Crackdown
Neighboring Residents Report to Police with Installation Photos

In the northwestern Italian coastal village of Portofino, known as a luxury vacation spot for famous personalities worldwide, conflicts among residents over air conditioners are intensifying. The authorities have cracked down on air conditioner installations, citing damage to the cityscape, leading residents to report each other. On the 13th (local time), British daily The Guardian and other foreign media reported that recent police crackdowns on illegally installed air conditioners in Portofino have increased distrust among residents.

Portofino, one of Italy's wealthiest villages with a population of 379, is a coastal town where colorful houses harmonize around the sea and harbor. Known as a vacation spot for European aristocracy since the 19th century, this place has been frequently visited by famous figures such as former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Diana, Princess of Wales, and pop star Madonna.
Photo by Portofino Tourism

Portofino, one of Italy's wealthiest villages with a population of 379, is a coastal town where colorful houses harmonize around the sea and harbor. Known as a vacation spot for European elites since the 19th century, it has been frequently visited by famous figures such as former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Diana, Princess of Wales, and pop star Madonna. Recently, grand parties hosted by fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana and a pre-wedding party for Indian billionaire Anant Ambani were held here.

However, the residents themselves suffer from the heat as they cannot easily install air conditioners even if they have the money. Portofino was designated a national park in 1935, making it illegal to install air conditioners on buildings. Although the government relaxed regulations following residents' protests, installation conditions remain strict. Approval from authorities is required, and outdoor units must be installed in inconspicuous places so as not to spoil the city's aesthetics.

Meanwhile, in recent years, due to the impact of climate change and prolonged hot summers, the number of homes installing air conditioners without official permission has increased. Police conducting crackdowns found 22 illegally installed outdoor units on rooftops and terraces from January to May this year. After temperatures sharply rose in June, 15 more cases were detected. Some residents tried to hide outdoor units or paint them in colors similar to their surroundings to camouflage them, but these attempts were also difficult to evade authorities' scrutiny. Additionally, cases of residents monitoring and reporting each other's air conditioner installations have increased.

Italian local media such as Corriere della Sera reported that some residents secretly took photos of air conditioners after being invited by neighbors and handed them over to the police. Residents reportedly reported each other to the police due to noise from outdoor units or as retaliation against neighbors who might have reported them. There are even claims that police used drones to locate outdoor units installed on rooftops, but Mayor Matteo Viacava denied this.

Those prosecuted for illegal air conditioner installation in Portofino may face fines up to 43,000 euros (approximately 64 million won). However, most cases so far have resulted in non-prosecution. Mayor Viacava said, "The crackdown began last winter after someone installed a large air conditioner outdoor unit on a narrow street," adding, "We do not want people to suffer from the heat or have their sleep disturbed. We just want to respect the regulations and preserve the beauty of Portofino."

European Cities Without Air Conditioners, and Why?

Earlier, at the Paris Olympics, which concluded on the 12th, controversy arose because air conditioners were not installed in the athletes' village for environmental reasons. Unlike Korea, where air conditioners are essential in summer, air conditioners are not a necessity in France and other parts of Europe. In fact, in France and Europe, air conditioners are often perceived as luxury items.

At the Paris Olympics, which concluded on the 12th, controversy arose because air conditioners were not installed in the athletes' village for environmental reasons.
[Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News]

Especially in European tourist cities including Paris, outdoor air conditioner units spoil the cityscape, so installing air conditioners requires permission from the local district office. Additionally, due to noise concerns, consent from residents in the same building is also necessary to install air conditioners. These complicated procedures often lead to people giving up on installing air conditioners altogether.

In fact, only 17% of households in France had air conditioners installed as of 2020. Public transportation such as subways and buses also lack air conditioners. Among Paris's 17 subway lines, only 5 lines and parts of 2 lines have air-conditioned trains. In terms of train cars, only 4 out of 10 have air conditioning. Many offices and even hotels, which would naturally be expected to have air conditioning by Korean standards, often do not have air conditioners in France, especially in central Paris.