In Prague, new building regulations came into effect yesterday

Prague - New building regulations have come into effect in Prague, which in recent months have sparked a number of disputes, leading to disagreements within the Prague coalition. Opinions on the amendment continue to vary. Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO), whose office allegedly prepared the documents, defends the regulations. However, the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians in Construction (ČKAIT) warns that the amendment is confusing in relation to the building law and introduces often nonsensical rules.

The building regulations, which are the implementing regulations of the building law, generally define the requirements for land use and technical requirements for buildings. The government is currently discussing an amendment to the building law, which may abolish Prague's ability to create its own regulations. Prague has had its building regulations as the only city in the country for more than 100 years.

The Mayor's amendment was ultimately notified by the European Commission earlier this spring. According to the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), the new regulation will allow for the construction of a sustainable city with trees on the streets and new buildings that respect the character of their surroundings. Every new or reconstructed street wider than 12 meters will thus have a row of trees. Unnecessary underpasses and overpasses will not be created, with priority given to barrier-free crossings. It will also set height regulations for new buildings. Thus, a five-story apartment building will not be able to rise among family villas, claims IPR.

The amendment was originally prepared by the then-mayor Tomáš Hudeček (independent, formerly of TOP 09) and after the elections by the former deputy mayor Matěj Stropnický (SZ/Trojkoalice). However, the preparation of the material was accompanied by complications. Both politicians criticize the current wording. According to Hudeček, it does not adequately regulate advertising, while Stropnický claims it does not regulate developers' plans. According to engineers, the amendment will lead to prolonged construction times. It may provide savings for developers, but it will harm citizens, especially those with disabilities, claims ČKAIT. However, according to the mayor, the responses from people in the field have been positive.

The billboard lobby sparked a strong media campaign in 2014 in protest against Hudeček's regulations. The effectiveness of the original building regulations was ultimately suspended by the Ministry for Regional Development last January for 15 months. Subsequently, they filed a constitutional complaint regarding these regulations.