People can now rebuild houses in flood zones

Brno – Property owners in nearly a third of Brno's territory have been struggling for a year and a half when they wanted to rebuild their houses or, for example, build an extension. The reason was the conditions set by the Ministry of the Environment (MŽP) for permitting construction in flood-prone areas. The ministry has now clarified these conditions following an intervention by Brno's leadership. This was reported at a press conference by Brno's Deputy Mayor Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL).

"About a year and a half ago, regional officials changed their approach to assessing appeals against positive opinions from the water management office. This approach effectively caused a construction moratorium in a third of the city of Brno. As a result, it blocked thousands of property owners from being able to renovate their homes. Specifically in the areas around Mendlovo náměstí, Nové Sady, in Komín, and other already developed locations along Brno's rivers," Hladík stated.

City officials, together with municipal officers, began negotiations with the MŽP a year ago, and the ministry has now issued a clarified methodological guideline that allows for the approval of renovations and extensions of existing buildings in flood areas. For planned new constructions, a zoning decision can be issued with the stipulation that construction can begin only after flood protection measures have been implemented; however, this restriction does not apply to technical infrastructure.

"This means that for larger projects in flood areas, it will be possible to start building sewage systems, electrical networks, or roads; the actual construction of buildings can then begin after flood protection measures are in place," Hladík added. According to him, this change will expedite housing construction in certain parts of Brno.

The city is currently working on flood protection measures on the Svitava and Svratka rivers. The flood protection measures for the Svratka River are closest to realization, in a three-kilometer section from Riviera to the bridge on Uhelná Street. Quiet zones, cafes, and cycling paths will gradually be created here. Construction, according to the design by architect Ivan Ruller, is set to begin in spring and should be completed in 2023. "We have also already selected a designer for phases nine to eleven in the area of the planned Southern District. We are also working on other projects, including the New Zbrojovka," Deputy Mayor Hladík added.