Switzerland changes rules to allow 4000 Zurich homes
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The Swiss Federal Council adjusted regulations for the Swiss Inventory of Protected Site Images (ISOS) in Zurich, Switzerland, which will allow construction to resume on approximately 4000 housing units.
Previously, strict application of the ISOS blocked many building projects in Zurich, extending beyond historical areas to cover three-quarters of the city. Even small projects, like building garages or installing solar panels, faced legal challenges.
The city of Zurich welcomes the decision, with Martin Schneider, Deputy Director of the Office for Urban Development, calling it “a very important breakthrough” and a solution to a long-standing problem. The Federal Council changed the rules to simplify planning and approval processes without reducing the protection of townscapes. The revised regulations take effect on November 1, 2026.
Zurich anticipates that building applications submitted after this date will receive approvals much faster, potentially within six months to a year, due to the reduced restrictions.
