Brno’s new zoning plan comes into effect today

After more than 20 years of planning, Brno’s long-awaited new zoning plan has officially come into effect today, marking a major milestone in the city’s development. The new plan replaces the outdated 1994 document, which ceased to be valid on Thursday, and introduces a framework that balances urban expansion with environmental and heritage protection.

The zoning plan designates specific stabilized areas where existing developments will be preserved while allowing for the construction of new neighborhoods that integrate housing, work, and leisure activities. It also aims to maximize environmental protection while opening new opportunities for sustainable urban growth.

The approval process for the new zoning plan has been a long and complex one. In June 2022, Brno’s city council rejected a completed version, opting instead for revisions. The final proposal was approved last December. According to Petr Bořecký (ANO), Brno’s councilor for urban planning, the updated plan restores clarity and truthfulness to zoning regulations. He emphasized that stabilized areas will effectively protect existing neighborhoods, while redevelopment zones will facilitate sustainable expansion. The plan adds nearly 40 hectares of new construction areas, providing significant opportunities for development.

One of the key aspects of the new zoning plan is the utilization of over 100 brownfields, creating potential housing for up to 170,000 new residents. The city, currently home to 400,000 people, is expected to expand in conjunction with the development of transportation infrastructure, technical utilities, and public services. Among the specific projects enabled by the new zoning framework is the construction of an elementary and kindergarten school in the New Zbrojovka area, with design work set to be completed within two years and construction potentially beginning in mid-2027. The plan will also simplify the construction of flood protection measures, a critical improvement for the city’s resilience.

The zoning plan was drafted by the Office of the Architect of the City of Brno in collaboration with the municipal department of urban planning. Bořecký played a central role in overseeing the process, which faced thousands of objections and modification requests from stakeholders. He anticipates that lawsuits and additional proposals for changes will follow, though only minor amendments to the conceptual document are expected in the near future.

With the zoning plan now in place, Brno is poised for a new chapter of structured urban growth, balancing modern development with sustainability and historical preservation.