Ostrava now has its own building regulations, which will help steer the city’s development

Ostrava is the third Czech city (after Prague and Brno) to introduce its own tailor-made building regulations. The newly approved Ostrava Building Regulations (in Czech only) are a key step towards more effective and sustainable urban development. What do the new regulations mean for Ostrava and its people?

? Changes making it easier to build on vacant lots and fill gaps in the urban fabric

? Improved greenery in the streets

? Support for sustainable mobility

? Improved public spaces

For many years, Ostrava’s long-term priorities have included boosting quality of life for the city’s residents, supporting investment and improving the appearance and functionality of public spaces. The new building regulations are tailor-made for the city’s specific needs. They were drawn up by a team of experts in the fields of architecture, urban planning and public administration, coordinated by the city’s Municipal Studio for Urban Planning and Architecture (MAPPA) and the City Authority’s Urban Planning and Building Regulations Department.

Ostrava’s new building regulations are based on a new nationwide government directive that sets out requirements and conditions for construction projects. The city has added some additional requirements and modified some of the national-level requirements to reflect its own unique situation. The regulations have been issued in the form of a city ordinance, and they are effective from 1 January 2025.

Building on vacant lots ??

One of the main changes introduced by Ostrava’s new building regulations is a simplification of the rules for building on vacant lots and filling gaps in the urban fabric. This change will make it easier to build on vacant land in the city centre, helping the city in its efforts to densify and revitalize its historic core. For example, vacant lots on or near the city’s main square (Masarykovo náměstí) will now represent more attractive options for future residential or commercial developments.

Greenery in city streets ??

The new building regulations have brought changes to the rules for planting and protecting greenery in the streets. Streets with a width of 18 metres or more are now required to incorporate wider strips of greenery, which will help improve the health of trees. As a result, Ostrava’s public spaces will become more pleasant places for both residents and visitors to the city.

Reduction of the required number of parking spaces for new construction projects in the city centre ??????????

Another important change introduced by the new building regulations is a reduction in the required number of parking spaces that must be created for new construction projects (or reconstructions of existing buildings) in the city centre. This will not only save space; it will also motivate people to use public transport, car-sharing schemes and other eco-friendly forms of mobility. For example, the planned apartment block on Biskupská Street can now be built more quickly and cost-effectively thanks to this change.

Aesthetic improvements in public spaces ??

The new regulations restrict the installation of advertising, fencing and other elements in public spaces. This will reduce “visual smog” and help improve the appearance of streets and squares throughout Ostrava – creating a more attractive urban environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.

??Practical examples of the impact of Ostrava’s new building regulations

? The apartment block project at Kostelní St./Biskupská St.: Thanks to the reduction in the required number of parking spaces that must be created for new construction projects, this block can now be built more quickly and cost-effectively, helping to boost the availability of housing in Ostrava’s city centre.

? New developments on Ostrava’s central square (Masarykovo náměstí): The new rules make it possible to build new developments with minimal parking spaces; this will help preserve the character of the current pedestrian zone and make it more attractive for residents and visitors.

Ostrava’s new building regulations show that the city has a bold, forward-looking vision. They will help create a more sustainable, efficient and attractive city that will attract investors, new residents and tourists. The new regulations are an example for other towns and cities to follow, and they will contribute greatly to improving quality of life in Ostrava.

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?? Ostrava Building Regulations (only in Czech)

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Cold ?? outside, warm?? inside. Ostrava in January is a ?winter wonderland, with New Year concerts and cups of hot? chocolate. The Christmas tree?? goes in the bin. ??Skis and ?skates enjoy their few minutes of fame. The nearby Beskydy mountains are a ??snowy paradise. And here in the city? ??Ostrava has introduced new building regulations – so don’t forget to ?? check them out! Sleep, it’ll be light soon!