ČKAIT and ČKA are concerned that they were not involved in the wording of the amendment to the Building Act

Prague - The Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers Active in Construction (ČKAIT) and the Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA) disagree with the fact that the amendment to the Building Act was submitted in the form of a parliamentary proposal. They could not participate in its creation and take part in the commentary procedure before it was discussed in the Chamber of Deputies. ČKAIT and ČKA stated this in a joint statement available to ČTK. Minister for Regional Development Zuzana Mrázová (ANO) met with some representatives of municipalities and industry associations about the Building Act last week. She agreed with them on the need to reform the existing system.

According to the engineers' chamber and the architects' chamber, the amendment to the Building Act was submitted outside the standard legislative process. They believe that a proper commentary procedure is an indispensable tool for uncovering problems in the proposal. "We were not allowed to participate in this amendment, which is essentially a completely new law, in any way and to provide comments before its discussion in the Chamber of Deputies," stated ČKAIT Chairman Robert Špalek.

The main objection from both chambers is the relaxation of the requirements for expertise for residential buildings and family recreation so that simple structures of this type could be designed by unauthorized persons, thus lacking the legally guaranteed minimum quality. They consider this unacceptable. "The amendment to the building law should simplify and clarify processes, but it must not be at the expense of expertise and construction quality. Therefore, we consider it essential to substantively amend the problematic provisions and to offer our professional assistance," said ČKA Chairman Jan Kasl.

According to the press release, Mrázová discussed the suggestions and amendments to the amendment to the Building Act with a professional team and practitioners. Last week, she met with representatives of the Association of Towns and Municipalities, the Association of Builders, and the Developers' Association together with the government commissioner for the implementation of building law, Hana Landová. "We have a clear consensus on the need to reform the existing system, which is a barrier for builders," added Mrázová.

In February, the Association of Local Governments also objected to the fact that the amendment to the Building Act did not have a standard commentary procedure. According to them, organizations representing municipalities and cities, as well as significant professional organizations, trade unions, and employers, were not invited to its preparation. However, Pavel Drahovzal, Vice-Chairman of the Association of Towns and Municipalities, stated after the meeting with the minister last week that the greatest benefit of the amendment is that regional development will become a public interest. He believes this is an important key for small municipalities as well as large cities to plan and build predictably.

The Czech National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites also has problems with the amendment to the Building Act. In an open letter to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO), they wrote that the change in the law could jeopardize some elements that currently protect the heritage character of towns and municipalities. The abolition of protective zones for municipalities could threaten the image of the urban heritage of the Czech Republic, which is ensured, for example, by the historical centers of cities.

The amendment to the Building Act primarily establishes the Office for Territorial Development of the Czech Republic. Under this office, construction authorities will transition from the provinces and municipalities where they currently perform building administration. Municipalities will primarily be responsible for territorial development. The amendment also declares mass housing constructions as a public interest, which should expedite their construction.