Spatial Planning Act (SPA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Chapter 1 Cantonal Structure Plans
Art. 6 Guidelines
1 … 2 When preparing their structure plans, the cantons shall devise guidelines by which they establish which areas: a. are suitable for agriculture; b. are of special beauty, valuable, or are important for recreation or as natural habitats; bbis. are suitable for producing electricity from renewable energies; c. are seriously endangered by natural hazards or harmful emissions. 3 In the guidelines, they shall also provide information on the current condition and previous development of: a. their settlement area; b. transport; bbis. provision of public utilities, in particular electricity from renewable energies; bter. public buildings and installations; c. their arable land. 4 They shall take account of federal strategies and sectoral plans, the structure plans of neighbouring cantons and other regional development policies and plans.
Para. 1 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, with effect from 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Para. 2 let. bbis — Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Energy Act of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6839; BBl 2013 7561). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Para. 3 let. a — Amended by No
Art. 7 Collaboration between authorities
1 The cantons shall work with the federal authorities and neighbouring cantons insofar as their activities coincide. 2 If the cantons cannot agree among themselves or with the Confederation on how to coordinate activities that have a spatial impact, they may request that the conciliation procedure (Art. 12) be applied. 3 Border cantons shall seek collaboration with the regional authorities of the neighbouring country insofar as their activities may have cross-border impact.
Art. 8 Minimum content of structure plans
1 Each canton shall prepare a structure plan, which shall define the following as a minimum: a. how the canton aims to develop in spatial terms; b. how activities that have a spatial impact are to be coordinated with a view to achieving development targets; c. the proposed schedule and resources for fulfilling tasks. 2 Projects with significant effects on space and the environment must have a basis in the structure plan. Specification in the structure plan is not required for projects that do not have a significant impact on space or the environment, in particular projects for the use of renewable energies, even if they involve installations of national interest in accordance with Articles 12 paragraph 2 and 13 paragraph 1 of the Energy Act of 30 September 2016 (EnA). 3 Projects for the use of renewable energies may be planned and permitted irrespective of whether an area or a stretch of water pursuant to Article 8b of this Act and to Article 10 paragraph 1 EnA has been designated.
Art. 8 — Amended by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Para. 2 — SR 730.0 Para. 2 — Second sentence inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 26 Sept. 2025, in force since 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 99; BBl 2023 1602). Para. 3 — Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 26 Sept. 2025, in force since 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 99; BBl 2023 1602).
Art. 8a Structure plan content related to settlements
1 The structure plan shall define the following in relation to settlements: a. the overall size of the settlement area, where it is located in the canton and how its expansion is coordinated at regional level; b. how settlements and transport are coordinated, and how land will be developed in a rationally and space-saving manner; c. how high-quality inward settlement development will be achieved; d. how it will be guaranteed that building zones meet the requirements of Article 15; and e. how settlement renewal will be increased. 2 and 3 …
Art. 8a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Para. 23 — Originally Art. 8 para. 2 und 3. Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 2010 (AS 2011 2913; BBl 2007 5765). Repealed by Art. 24 No 2 of the Second Homes Act of 20 March 2015, with effect from 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 5657; BBl 2014 2287).
Art. 8b Structure plan content in relation to energy
The structure plan shall designate suitable areas and stretches of water that may be used to generate renewable energies.
Art. 8b — Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Energy Act of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6839; BBl 2013 7561).
Art. 9 Binding character and amendments
1 Structure plans are binding on the authorities. 2 If circumstances change, new tasks arise or if a generally better solution is possible, structure plans shall be reviewed and, if necessary, amended. 3 As a rule, structure plans shall be comprehensively reviewed every ten years and, if necessary, revised.
Art. 10 Responsibilities and procedures
1 The cantons shall determine responsibilities and procedures. 2 They shall regulate the way in which communes, other bodies responsible for activities which have a spatial impact and organisations for environmental protection and for the protection of nature and cultural heritage that have a right to appeal in accordance with Article 55 of the Environmental Protection Act of 7 October 1983 and with Article 12 of the Federal Act of 1 July 1966 on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NCHA) cooperate in drawing up the structure plans.
Para. 2 — SR 814.01 Para. 2 — SR 451 Para. 2 — Amended by No II 2 of the FA of 20 Dec. 2006, in force since 1 July 2007 (AS 2007 2701; BBl 2005 5351 5391).
Art. 11 Approval by the Federal Council
1 The Federal Council shall approve the structure plans and their amendments if they conform to this Act, and in particular take proper account of the activities by the Confederation and by neighbouring cantons that have a spatial impact. 2 The structure plans shall become legally binding on the Confederation and the neighbouring cantons only when approved by the Federal Council.
Art. 12 Conciliation
1 If the Federal Council is unable to approve the structure plans or parts thereof, it shall arrange a conciliation procedure after hearing the views of the parties concerned. 2 The Federal Council shall order that for the duration of the conciliation procedure nothing may be done that might prejudice its result. 3 If an agreement cannot be reached, the Federal Council shall decide the issue no later than three years after the beginning of the conciliation procedure.
Chapter 2 Special Measures by the Confederation
Art. 13 Policies and sectoral plans
1 The Confederation shall draw up the basic principles necessary to fulfil its remit with regard to spatial issues. It shall draw up the required policies and sectoral plans and ensure that they are compatible. 2 The Confederation shall work with the cantons and inform them in good time of its policies, sectoral plans and building projects.
Chapter 3 Land Use Plans
Section 1 Purpose and Content
Art. 14 Definition
1 Land use plans govern the permissible use of land. 2 They shall designate in advance building zones, agricultural zones and protected zones.
Art. 15 Building zones
1 Building zones must be defined in such a manner that they meet the anticipated needs for the following 15 years. 2 Excessively large building zones must be reduced in size. 3 The location and size of the building zones must be defined in a manner not restricted by communal boundaries, respecting the aims and principles of spatial planning. In particular, crop rotation areas must be maintained and nature and landscape preserved. 4 Land may be assigned to a building zone for the first time if: a. it is suitable for development; b. it will probably also be needed, made ready for development and developed within the next 15 years even though internal use reserves in existing building areas have been exploited to their full potential; c. arable land is not fragmented as a result; d. its availability is guaranteed by law; and e. the requirements of the structure plans are met thereby. 4bis When designating or rezoning areas, the cantons may designate areas within zones in which odour regul
Art. 15 — Amended by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Para. 4bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 15a Availability of building land
1 The cantons shall work with the communes to take the measures that are required in order that building zones are used for their assigned purpose, in particular measures required under land law such as land reorganisation projects (Art. 20). 2 Where it is in the public interest to do so, cantonal law shall provide that the competent authority set a deadline for the development of a parcel of land and can order specific measures if the deadline expires without development taking place.
Art. 15a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049).
Art. 16 Agricultural zones
1 Agricultural zones shall ensure the long-term use of the land for food, the conservation of the countryside, of recreational areas and of the ecological balance. They shall be kept largely undeveloped, according to their various functions. Agricultural zones shall include land which: a. is suitable for agricultural or horticultural use and is required to fulfil the various agricultural tasks; or b. should be used for agricultural purposes in the general interest. 2 Wherever possible, agricultural zones shall be demarcated as large and continuous areas. 3 The cantons shall take appropriate account of the various functions of the agricultural zones in their planning activities. 4 In agricultural zones, agriculture and its needs take precedence over non-agricultural uses. 5 The Federal Council shall specify the cases in which exemptions from the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act of 7 October 1983 are permitted outside building zones with regard to ambient levels of odours a
Art. 16 — Amended by No 1 of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Para. 4 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443). Para. 5 — SR 814.01 Para. 5 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 16a Buildings and installations conforming to zone requirements in agricultural zones
1 Buildings and installations shall conform to zone requirements if they are required for agricultural or horticultural use. This is without prejudice to the narrower definition of zone conformity in the context of Article 16 paragraph 3. 1bis Buildings and installations at farms that are required for the production of energy from biomass or for connected composting facilities shall be deemed be in conformity with zone requirements and are not subject to planning requirements provided: a. the processed biomass is closely linked to the agricultural or forestry operations carried out on the farm or on nearby farms; b. a maximum of 45,000 tons of substrate may be used annually; and c. the buildings or installations are used only for the permitted purpose. 2 Buildings and installations that serve the internal expansion of a farm or horticultural business shall be deemed to conform with zone requirements. In the case of livestock farming, the permitted extent of internal expansion shall be
Art. 16a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Para. 1bis let. c — Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Amended by No III of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023 on a Secure Energy Supply from Renewable Energy Sources, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2024 679; 2025 636; BBl 2021 1666). Para. 2 — Second sentence inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 20
Art. 16abis Buildings and installations for keeping and using horses
1 Buildings and installations that are required for keeping horses shall be authorised as conforming to zone requirements if they form part of an existing farm as defined in the Federal Act of 4 October 1991 on Rural Land Rights, provided the farm produces most of its own fodder and has pastures for keeping horses. 2 A permit may be granted for areas with compacted ground where the horses kept by the farm are used. 3 A permit shall be granted for facilities directly related to using horses such as tack rooms or changing rooms. 4 The Federal Council shall regulate the details.
Art. 16abis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 March 2013, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 905; BBl 2012 6589 6607). Para. 1 — SR 211.412.11
Art. 16b Prohibition of use and removal
1 Buildings and installations that are no longer used for purposes conforming to zone requirements and for which usage in terms of Articles 24–24e is not permitted may no longer be used. This prohibition shall cease to apply as soon as they can again be used in conformity with zone requirements. 2 If authorisation is granted for a limited period or subject to a condition subsequent, the buildings and installations must be removed when authorisation ceases to apply, and the location must be restored to its previous state.
Art. 16b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Art. 16b — Amended by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 March 2013, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 905; BBl 2012 6589 6607). Para. 2 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097).
Art. 17 Protection zones
1 Protection zones shall include: a. streams, rivers, lakes and their shores and banks; b. landscapes of special beauty, and countryside of natural, cultural or historical value; c. important sites of local character, historic sites, as well as natural or cultural monuments; d. habitats for protected animals and plants. 2 Instead of defining protection zones, cantonal legislation may provide for other suitable measures.
Art. 18 Other zones and areas
1 Cantonal legislation may provide for other land use zones. 2 It may contain regulations concerning areas for which no use has yet been determined or for which a specific use will be permitted only at a later date. 3 Forested areas shall be defined and protected by forestry legislation.
Art. 18a Solar installations and energy-related redevelopment projects
1 In construction and agricultural zones, solar panels on roofs or on facades which are sufficiently unobtrusive do not require a building permit in accordance with Article 22 paragraph 1. The competent authorities must merely be notified of such installations. 2 Cantonal law may: a. determine specific, less aesthetically sensitive types of building zone in which other solar installations and energy-related redevelopment projects are permitted without a building permit being required; b. require a building permit in clearly described types of protection zone. 2bis In building zones, structures for the generation of solar energy above and along the boundaries of parking areas with 15 or more parking spaces are generally deemed be in conformity with zone requirements. Communes may, as part of their land-use planning, designate parking areas where such structures are not permitted or are permitted only under certain conditions. They may declare such structures to be generally in conformit
Art. 18a — Inserted by No II of the FA of 22 June 2007 (AS 2007 6095; BBl 2006 6337). Amended by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Art. 18a — Amended by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443). Para. 1 — Amended by No III of the FA of 29. Sept. 2023 on a Secure Energy Supply from Renewable Energy Sources, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2024 679; 2025 636; BBl 2021 1666). Para. 2 let. a — Amende
Art. 18b Hydropower plants
1 Hydropower plants with an installed capacity of a maximum of 10 MW need not be specified in the structure plan in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 2. 2 Hydropower plants and their ancillary installations need not be specified in a land use plan.
Art. 18b — Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 26 Sept. 2025, in force since 1 April 2026 (AS 2026 99; BBl 2023 1602).
Art. 19 Infrastructure
1 A parcel of land is regarded as ready for development when it has adequate access for its designated use and the necessary water supply, energy and wastewater facilities can be connected to nearby utility mains without considerable difficulty or expense. 2 The local authority shall connect building zones to infrastructure within the period of time set in the development programme; where necessary, it may do so in stages. The contributions to be made by landowners are be determined under cantonal legislation. 3 If the local authority does not connect building zones within the time limit, landowners must be permitted to connect their land themselves in accordance with the plans approved by the local authority or to advance funds for infrastructure connection by the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of cantonal legislation.
Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 15 June 2012, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 899; BBl 2010 1049). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 6 Oct. 1995, in force since 1 April 1996 (AS 1996 965; BBl 1994 III 1075).
Art. 20 Land reorganisation
Land reorganisation may be officially ordered and carried out if this is required by the land use plans.
Section 2 General Effects
Amended by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 21 Binding character and amendment
1 Land use plans shall be universally binding. 2 Should circumstances change appreciably, land use plans shall be reviewed and, if necessary, amended.
Art. 22 Building permits
1 Buildings and installations may be erected or modified only with the permission of the responsible authority. 2 The basic requirement for a permit is: a. that the buildings and installations conform to the purpose of the land use zone; and b. that the land is connected to infrastructure and utilities. 3 The other requirements contained in federal and cantonal law continue to apply.
Art. 23 Exceptions within building zones
Cantonal legislation regulates exceptions within the building zones.
Section 2a Exceptional Permits outside Building Zo
Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 24 Site-specific buildings and installations
1 Notwithstanding Article 22 paragraph 2a, permits to erect buildings and installations or to modify their purpose may be granted: a. if the purpose of the buildings and installations necessitates their location outside the building zones; and b. if there are no overriding interests to the contrary. 2 The Federal Council may permit energy-related redevelopment projects that are not provided for in any other provision.
Art. 24 — Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Art. 24 — Amended by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443). Para. 2 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 24bis Combination of infrastructure installations and mobile communications installations
1 Infrastructure installations must be combined wherever possible. The Federal Council shall specify the requirements by which mobile communications installations on existing or new infrastructure installations are deemed to be site-specific, subject to Article 24 paragraph 1 letter b. 2 Mobile communications installations may be permitted outside building zones provided a comprehensive balancing of interests indicates that a location outside the building zones is significantly more advantageous than a location within the building zones. 3 Modifications, upgrades and expansions of existing mobile communications installations outside the building zone shall be deemed to be site-specific.
Art. 24bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 24ter Solar installations not of national importance
1 Solar installations that are not of national importance and which are located on open land outside the building zone and outside usable agricultural areas shall be deemed to be site-specific if: a. they are built in less sensitive areas or in areas already occupied by other buildings and installations; and b. the cost of developing the properties concerned and of connecting the installation to the electricity grid is reasonable in view of the capacity of the installation. 2 Solar installations located on usable agricultural land shall be deemed to be site-specific provided: a. in addition to producing electricity, they do not compromise agricultural interests and provide advantages for agricultural production; or b. they serve agricultural experimental and research purposes. 3 When the installations are taken out of service, they must be dismantled and the site restored to its original condition. 4 The Federal Council shall regulate the details, taking account of the need for new cap
Art. 24ter — Originally Art. 24bis. Inserted by No III of the FA of 29. Sept. 2023 on a Secure Energy Supply from Renewable Energy Sources, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2024 679; 2025 636; BBl 2021 1666). Para. 4 — SR 730.0
Art. 24quater Other buildings and installations for harnessing renewable energies
1 Installations for generating energy from biomass and installations for converting renewable energy into hydrogen, methane, or other synthetic hydrocarbons shall also be permitted outside building zones to the extent that this is deemed appropriate for ensuring a secure supply of renewable energy. 2 The Federal Council shall regulate the requirements by which these installations in less sensitive or occupied areas are deemed to be site-specific. In doing so, it shall take the following in particular into consideration: a. the existing level of infrastructure, in particular existing gas connections in the case of installations for generating energy from biomass; b. the proximity to an installation that produces renewable electricity in the case of facilities that convert renewable energy into hydrogen or hydrocarbons. 3 It may specify the size and significance thresholds at which buildings and installation become subject to planning requirements.
Art. 24quater — Originally Art. 24ter. Inserted by No III of the FA of 29. Sept. 2023 on a Secure Energy Supply from Renewable Energy Sources, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2024 679; 2025 636; BBl 2021 1666).
Art. 24quinquies Buildings and installations for thermal networks
Thermal networks that contribute to reducing consumption of non-renewable energies may be permitted outside building zones if necessary. The Federal Council shall regulate the details.
Art. 24quinquies — Inserted by No I und II of the FA of 29. Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 24a Changes in purpose outside building zones for which construction work is not required
1 If the change in purpose of a building or installation outside the building zone does not necessitate any construction work within the meaning of Article 22 paragraph 1, a permit shall be issued if: a. the change of purpose will not have any new impact on space, infrastructure provision and the environment; and b. it is not prohibited by any other federal enactment. 2 The exceptional permit must be issued subject to the condition that a new official ruling be made should circumstances change.
Art. 24a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513).
Art. 24b Non-agricultural subsidiary operations outside building zones
1 Should a farm as defined in the Federal Act of 4 October 1991 on Rural Land Rights be unable to survive without an additional source of income, a permit may be granted for construction work related to a non-agricultural subsidiary operation which is closely related to the primary concern and located in existing buildings and installations. The requirement set out in Article 24a need not be met. 1bis Irrespective of whether an additional source of income is required, a permit may be granted for subsidiary operations with a close practical connection to the farm; for this purpose, a permit may be granted for modest expansions where no space or insufficient space is available in the existing buildings and installations. 1ter In the case of temporary operating centres, a permit may be granted for construction work only in the existing buildings and installations and only for subsidiary operations offering accommodation and restaurant services. 1quater In order to avoid distortions of com
Art. 24b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Para. 1 — SR 211.412.11 Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Para. 1bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Para. 1ter — Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Para. 1quat
Art. 24c Buildings and installations subject to the previous law
1 Buildings and installations outside building zones that comply with their intended use but which no longer conform to zone requirements are in principle protected in their current state. 2 Such buildings and installations may, with the permission of the competent authority, be renovated, partially modified, moderately expanded or reconstructed, provided they have been lawfully constructed or modified. 3 The foregoing also applies to farmhouses and attached commercial buildings that have been lawfully constructed or modified before the parcel of land concerned become part of the area where building is not permitted in accordance with federal law. The Federal Council shall issue regulations in order to prevent negative consequences for agriculture. 4 Changes to external appearance must be necessary to enable modern residential use or to upgrade energy efficiency or so as to blend more harmoniously into the landscape. 5 Every case is subject to compatibility with the priority concerns o
Art. 24c — Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Art. 24c — Amended by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011, in force since 1 Nov. 2012 (AS 2012 5535; BBl 2011 7083 7097). Para. 3 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011, in force since 1 Nov. 2012 (AS 2012 5535; BBl 2011 7083 7097). Para. 4 — Inserted by No I of the FA
Art. 24cbis Buildings in scattered settlement areas
1 In areas traditionally built as scattered settlements the size of which is defined in the cantonal structure plan and in which it is planned to increase permanent settlement with a view to achieving the desired spatial development, the cantons may permit: a. a change in use of existing buildings that contain containing residential units to non-agricultural residential use, provided that they are occupied year-round following the change; b. a change in use of existing buildings or complexes of buildings that contain residential units to use as local small business premises; local small businesses include in particular cheese dairies, carpentry workshops, mechanical workshops, metalworking shops, retail stores, and public houses; as a general rule, the commercial portion may not occupy more than half of the building or building complex. 2 Permits pursuant to this Article shall only be grated if: a. the building is no longer required for the previous purpose that was in conformity with
Art. 24cbis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 24d Non-agricultural residential use, and buildings and installations worthy of preservation
1 Authorisation may be given for agricultural residential buildings to be used for non-agricultural residential purposes, provided the essential character of the buildings is preserved. 1bis … 2 A complete change of purpose of buildings and installations that have been recognised as being worthy of preservation may be authorised if: a. these have been given protected status by the competent authority; and b. their continued preservation cannot otherwise be guaranteed. 3 Permits under this Article may be issued only if: a. the building or installation is no longer required for its previous purpose, is suitable for the intended use, and no unnecessary replacement buildings will be constructed; b. the external appearance and the basic structure of the building and its surroundings remain essentially unchanged; c. no more than a minor extension of existing infrastructure is necessary and all infrastructure costs incurred as a result of the complete change of purpose of the buildings and in
Art. 24d — Inserted by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Art. 24d — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 March 2013, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 905; BBl 2012 6589 6607). Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Para. 1bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Repealed by No I of the FA of 22 March 2013, with effect from 1 M
Art. 24e Keeping livestock as a hobby
1 Provided the essential character of the buildings is preserved, construction work shall be permitted in uninhabited buildings or parts of buildings where they are used by residents of an adjacent residential building for the purpose of keeping livestock as a hobby and animal welfare standards are respected. 2 New outdoor installations may be permitted in terms of paragraph 1 if they are necessary for keeping livestock in accordance with animal welfare standards. Such installations may be larger than the statutory minimum size provided this is compatible with the main aspects of spatial planning and the installation is a reversible construction. 3 The outdoor installations may be used for keeping livestock as a hobby provided no structural alterations are required and there is no new impact on the surrounding area and the environment. 4 If livestock are kept in a building zone, permission shall also be given to fenced-in areas for grazing purposes provided there is no negative impact
Art. 24e — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 March 2013, in force since 1 May 2014 (AS 2014 905; BBl 2012 6589 6607). Para. 6 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Section 3 Responsibilities and Procedures
Art. 25 Cantonal responsibilities
1 The cantons shall determine responsibilities and procedures. 1bis They shall determine the time limits and their consequences for all procedures involved in the erection or modification of buildings or installations, or changes to their purpose. 2 In the case of any building projects outside the building zones the competent cantonal authority shall decide if they meet zone requirements or if an exceptional permit may be issued. 3 and 4 ... 5 The right to restore to the lawful state is subject to a 30-year statute of limitations. The time limit is deemed to have been met if the competent authority takes action for the first time before expiry of the time limit. No statute of limitations applies if public interests, in particular public order, peace, safety and security or health, are at risk.
Para. 1bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 6 Oct. 1995 (AS 1996 965; BBl 1994 III 1075). Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 20 March 1998, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2042; BBl 1996 III 513). Para. 34 — Come into force on 1 July 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443). Para. 5 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).
Art. 25a Principles of coordination
1 If the erection or modification of a building or installation requires decisions from two or more authorities, one authority shall be designated responsible for ensuring adequate coordination. 2 The authority responsible for coordination: a. may issue the necessary procedural orders; b. shall ensure joint publication of all planning application documents; c. shall obtain comprehensive opinions on the projects from all the cantonal and federal authorities involved; d. shall ensure that content of decisions is coordinated and, as far as possible, arrange for decisions to be published jointly or simultaneously. 3 The decisions must not contain any contradictions. 4 These principles apply by analogy to the land use plan procedure.
Art. 25a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 6 Oct. 1996, in force since 1 Jan. 1997 (AS 1996 965; BBl 1994 III 1075).
Art. 26 Approval of land use plans by a cantonal authority
1 A cantonal authority shall approve the land use plans and their amendments. 2 It shall verify that they conform to the cantonal structure plans approved by the Federal Council. 3 Approval by the cantonal authority shall make the land use plans binding.
Art. 27 Planning zones
1 If a land use plan must be modified or does not yet exist, the competent authority may designate precisely defined areas as planning zones. Inside these planning zones nothing may be done to prejudice land use planning. 2 Planning zones may be designated as such for five years at the most. Cantonal legislation may provide for this period to be extended.
Art. 27a Restrictive cantonal provisions on building outside the building zone
Cantonal law may provide for restrictive provisions relating to Articles 16a paragraph 2, 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e.
Art. 27a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 2007 (AS 2007 3637; BBl 2005 7097). Amended by No I of the FA of 29 Sept. 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2026 (AS 2025 640; BBl 2018 7443).