New Construction Regulations and Urban Plan Changes in Ostrava
Ostrava has implemented its own construction regulations. The "Ostrava Construction Regulations" provide detailed guidelines on how buildings should look and the standards that should be followed in Ostrava. This framework allows for a better consideration of the city's unique developmental needs, which differ significantly from those of a typical Czech city.
The New City Hall. Photo: Jiří Zerzoň
The city council approved these regulations last December, and they will come into effect at the beginning of 2025.
The content and purpose of the new regulations align with contemporary trends and support quality urban development. For instance, they facilitate easier infill development and create more favorable conditions for greenery in streets, contributing to the enhancement of public spaces.
"The construction regulations are a key document that will aid in the quality development of the city. They reflect what we identified as the most important for Ostrava and its residents. I am convinced that these rules have been optimally set. They will simplify and reduce costs for developers constructing new residential buildings in the city center, where they are undoubtedly needed. They will support sustainable mobility development and open doors for better management of greenery and rainwater in public spaces," highlighted Deputy Mayor Lucie Vilamová Baránková.
In contrast to the new construction regulations in Prague and Brno, Ostrava's regulations take a different approach. The document directly complements the new national decree on construction requirements, adding to some points while modifying others. The result is a concise publication of six pages and one appendix, designed to ensure that the specific characteristics of Ostrava can be taken into account by architects and planners in their work. The Ostrava Construction Regulations were developed by the MAPPA studio in collaboration with the municipal department of urban planning and building regulations, following appropriate professional consultations.
Article 11 of the relevant city regulation also includes the subsequently defined transitional provision: "The construction requirements under this regulation shall not apply to the approval and implementation of projects for which the design documentation was prepared by December 31, 2024, in accordance with the existing legal framework, and submitted to the building authority by June 30, 2025."
The complete text of the Ostrava Construction Regulations can be found [HERE].
Change to the Urban Plan
On December 4, 2024, the City Council of Ostrava issued Change to the Urban Plan of Ostrava, which became effective on January 2, 2025. This change is based on proposals received from individuals and legal entities, city districts, as well as from the city’s own initiative and in response to current legislation.
The change modifies various aspects within the city, including:
- Utilization methods and adjustments for significant redevelopment areas in locations such as Hrušov, Pod Žofinkou, and part of the DOV area.
- Utilization methods for certain smaller plots and individual parcels, primarily within the built-up area of the city.
- Definition of new or expansion of existing buildable areas for residential use in family houses.
- Adjustments to areas for high-speed rail (VRT).
- Updates to the built-up area, transport elements, and engineering networks, as well as the elements of the ecological stability system (ÚSES).
- A detailed approach to the issue of photovoltaics within the city.
- Adjustments to some regulations governing areas with different methods of use, aiming to preserve the character of individual areas.
The overall concept for the city’s development remains unchanged with Change to the Urban Plan of Ostrava.
The current Urban Plan of Ostrava can be found [HERE].