Inventory of objects worthy of protection

The municipality often only decides about any possible protective measures to be taken in conjunction with a building permit – which sometimes results in considerable additional costs and time delays.

The inventory of objects worthy of protection is a reference inventory. It is used by municipal and cantonal authorities and provides a basis for communal planning and decisions governed by building legislation. Such an inventory lists objects worthy of protection; the objects are not actually protected but there is a so-called protection assumption. Objects include buildings, gardens, trees, hedges etc.

Consequences for the owners

The inventory of objects worthy of protection does not have any direct legal effect on property owners. However, it is always a big surprise when the municipality notifies parties carrying out a building project that the property is included in the inventory as worthy of protection. Such an inventory listing can delay the building project. If the worst comes to the worst, it will have to be redefined. In practice, the authorities often only decide about any possible protective measures to be taken in connection with a building permit application – which sometimes results in considerable additional costs and time delays.

It is therefore recommended that property owners request a decision on whether their property is worthy of protection together with information on the extent of any possible protective measures. To do this, there has to be a current interest, such as an intention to build or an imminent estate distribution.