Noise Abatement Ordinance (NAO) (NAO)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 29 Designation of building zones and amendments to land-use plans in areas exposed to noise
1 The relevant exposure limit values can be met through planning, design or construction measures. 2 Open spaces referred to in Article 24 paragraph 3 letter b of the Act must be of a reasonable size and accessible on foot without any obstacles. They shall feature a design and infrastructure geared towards recreation. 3 The measures referred to in Article 24 paragraph 3 letter c of the Act must be determined according to the relevant level. From an acoustic point of view, they shall contribute to an appropriate quality of life by limiting noise emissions or otherwise reducing any impairment of well-being.
Art. 29 — Amended by No I of the O of 25 Feb. 2026, with effect from 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 114).
Art. 30
Repealed by No I of the O of 25 Feb. 2026, with effect from 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 114).
Art. 31 Planning permission in areas subject to noise
1 If the impact thresholds are exceeded, new buildings and significant modifications to buildings with rooms sensitive to noise may only be authorised if the values can be complied with: by locating the rooms sensitive to noise on the side of the building away from the source of the noise; or by structural or design measures which shield the building against noise. 1bis Controlled domestic ventilation and cooling systems must be state of the art. 2 If the requirements of Article 22 paragraph 2 letter a of the Act cannot be met in relation to aircraft noise or where no more than ten per cent of the residential units in large housing developments are affected, a building permit may be granted by way of exception if there is an overriding interest in the construction of the building and the cantonal authority gives its consent. 3 The landowners bear the costs of the measures.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the O of 16 June 1997, in force since 1 Aug. 1997 (AS 1997 1588). Para. 1bis — Inserted by No I of the O of 25 Feb. 2026, in force since 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 114). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the O of 25 Feb. 2026, in force since 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 114).
Art. 31a
Inserted by No I of the O of 28 Nov. 2014 (AS 2014 4501). Repealed by No I of the O of 25 Feb. 2026, with effect from 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 114).
