Brno will regulate how high new buildings can be

Brno - Brno will regulate through its zoning plan not only where construction can take place but also how tall buildings can grow. The authors presented the study of so-called height zoning today at the city hall's department of urban planning and development. Comments on the document can now be submitted, and it should take effect in a few months, said Deputy Mayor Martin Ander today to ČTK.
The study aims to protect the silhouette of Brno to maintain its character. For example, buildings that would overshadow the current view of the cathedral on Petrov, Špilberk Castle, or other city landmarks should not be built in the city center. Another consideration taken into account is transportation. High-rise buildings, according to Ander, concentrate a large number of people, which brings traffic burdens. They should therefore only be built in locations that are well accessible by transport, the politician said.
In recent years, several buildings have been constructed in Brno, which architects dispute whether they are too tall. For instance, the residential complex Anenské terasy overshadowed the view of Petrov in part of the city. If the height zoning study had been in place at the time the project was approved, it would have been difficult for Anenské terasy to be built, Ander stated. There would also be significant issues with the building on Česká Street, which houses a Zara boutique and whose courtyard significantly exceeds the height of the surrounding buildings.
The study, whose first version was created at the Burian-Křivinka studio, sets height regulations for the urban conservation area and its protective zone. This is indicated by roughly the large city loop. Whether planned projects comply with its regulations will be assessed by officials in the zoning process. Applicants for zoning decisions will thus have to attach visualizations to the project showing how the structure fits into the surroundings.