Friday, 22 August 2025
The Czech construction industry faces renewed uncertainty after the Ministry of Regional Development proposed abolishing the unified graphical standard for spatial plans, which had been intended as a key element of digitizing construction proceedings.
According to the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians active in construction (ČKAIT), the proposal represents a step backwards that could significantly complicate the work of designers, officials, and builders. The chamber argues that the move undermines the very principles of the new Building Act.
The Building Act itself, which was meant to simplify and accelerate building permits, has already undergone twelve amendments since its adoption. Implementing regulations have faced repeated delays, and digitization efforts have been described as chaotic by ČKAIT, which also claims that the professional community is often invited to discussions only in the late stages of consultation. Representatives of the chamber note that many of their key recommendations have either been ignored or reframed in ways that diminish their intent.
The latest draft amendment to Decree No. 157/2024 Coll. removes the requirement for a uniform graphical standard of zoning plans. This standard was designed to ensure consistency across more than six thousand municipalities. The amendment also prohibits the use of CAD formats, which are common design tools. According to ČKAIT, CAD will remain permitted only for regulatory plans, which are used only rarely.
“Colleagues designers ask me: For God’s sake! Why? The commented proposal is probably intended to prove the controlled decay of the entire design process and the permitting of buildings,” said Robert Špalek, chairman of ČKAIT. He further warned that the change could even threaten strategic transport projects, which currently function under a separate line law.
Michal Drahorád, vice-chairman of ČKAIT, cautioned that without a uniform graphic standard, municipalities will adopt inconsistent symbols and colors, forcing designers to decode dozens of plans when working on projects such as highways. “It is as if each municipality has designed its own road signs,” he said.
The amendment specifies that only ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and ESRI Shapefile formats may be used. According to ČKAIT, this prohibition of CAD tools will increase both the time and cost of design work. Board member Martin Šafařík compared the situation to “the breakdown of standardization in the cadastre of real estate,” saying it would be as if every regional office had its own mapping system, requiring people to carry paper stamps around the country.
Legal expert JUDr. Eva Kuzmová also warned that the amendment brings a lack of clarity and makes it more difficult to navigate zoning plans for all users, from designers to builders.
ČKAIT has stated that it strongly opposes the proposed changes and is calling for the preservation of the unified graphical standard, arguing that unity is required not only by professional practice but also by specific provisions of the Building Act itself.
