Non-building zone

A non-building zone comprises land not allocated to ordinary settlement development, such as agricultural, protected, forest or other special zones. In Switzerland, construction outside building zones is tightly controlled to preserve farmland, landscape, nature and orderly spatial development. New buildings are generally allowed only if they are location-dependent, serve an agricultural or other legally recognised purpose, or fall within a specific exception. Cantonal and federal requirements often interact, and permits may require several approvals. Existing lawful buildings may enjoy limited possibilities for maintenance, alteration or change of use. Conflicts often arise over holiday homes, conversions, agricultural buildings and landscape protection.