The decision of the building authority that defines the location of a building in the area for which a zoning or regulatory plan is issued is referred to as a zoning decision. The basis for its issuance is the project documentation and the statements of the concerned state administration bodies and technical infrastructure administrators.
What is the zoning decision for?
In the zoning decision, the building authority approves the proposed project and defines the conditions for use, protection and for further preparation and implementation of the project. The planning decision also determines whether the planned construction is in accordance with the planning documents and whether it can proceed to the construction procedure at all.
Did you know that the documentation for the zoning decision defines the purpose of the building, its location and connection to the technical and transport infrastructure at the construction site?
Zoning decision vs. building permit or a bit of theory
The zoning decision on the location of the building must contain in its operative part the conditions defining the building plot and the location of the building on the plot. As a rule, building permits are only issued for houses larger than 150 m2.
Neither a zoning decision for a change of land type nor a zoning consent is required for changes of land type up to an area of 300 m2, except in the case of a change of land type in an area with archaeological findings and a change of land type in a specially protected area.
How long does a planning decision take?
When you submit an application for planning permission, the result is that planning permission is granted. If there is no problem, the consent for the location and execution of the building is issued within 30 days, and the planning permission with building permit within 60 days. The problem arises when the parties to the proceedings appeal and thus prolong the process.

Who issues land use decisions?
A zoning decision is issued by the competent building authority on the basis of a zoning procedure or a simplified zoning procedure. A zoning decision is a decision on:
- Location of the building or installation
- Change of land use
- Subdivision or consolidation of land
- Change of the impact of the use of the building on the territory
- Protection zone
When do I need a planning permission?
Planning permission is not required in the case of building alterations where the house is not being raised or extended, for building alterations and maintenance work, for the division or subdivision of land if the conditions for these are laid down by another decision or measure, or in the case of a decision on a protection zone if the conditions for protection are laid down by or on the basis of special legislation. In all other cases, a planning procedure shall be carried out.