The Union of Towns and Municipalities is against the reduction of the number of building authorities

PRAGUE - The Union of Towns and Municipalities is opposed to the planned reduction in the number of building authorities, as outlined in the proposed new building law. According to the union's chairman Oldřich Vlasák, their number could gradually decrease from about 700 to around 200. "We consider this a deterioration in comfort for residents," Vlasák told reporters today. The union is also unhappy that smaller municipalities would lose the authority to create zoning plans.
The new building law is intended to allow for the construction of smaller buildings without a permit. For single-family homes up to 150 square meters and three above-ground floors, a notification would suffice. The paperwork would also be reduced for other small constructions such as garages or apartment renovations.
The union reportedly has not yet succeeded with its comments among lawmakers. "The citizen is used to their building authority being nearby," emphasized Vlasák. After reducing their number, people would not travel to the office 10 kilometers, but 40 kilometers. "It would limit construction development as such," believes the union chairman.
The fact that smaller municipalities would not be able to create zoning plans would, according to him, lead to situations where they would be instructed on where, for example, a road would run in their cadastral area. "The municipality has the right to make decisions about its territory," stated Vlasák. The proposal indicates a lack of trust in the ability of smaller municipalities to develop their plans, he added.
The union also has reservations about the proposed law on material need. According to Vlasák, the bill would transfer the payment of the so-called housing allowance from the state to municipalities, which would need to receive about 3.5 billion crowns in their budgets for this purpose. "It is unclear whether this would be sufficient," asserts Vlasák. He agrees that the authority should be transferred to municipalities, as they have insight into the social needs of people. However, benefits should be financed from the state budget, he added.
Michal Burian