Swiss Houses Face Mandatory Demolition Under Zoning Laws

Strict Swiss land use planning laws force demolition of houses, highlighting enforcement of federal zoning regulations

Switzerland's Federal land use planning laws (LAT) were first proposed in 1979
Swiss zoning laws were tightened further after a successful vote in 2013
Some municipalities in Valais and Ticino interpreted federal zoning laws differently from cantonal authorities

700,000

CHF invested in renovation by Urs Trachsel

280,000

CHF demolition bill received by Urs Trachsel

Years since Bernard Dubosson built his chalet

"If the municipality had not granted a permit his chalet would not exist"
— Bernard Dubosson

"These cases are rare and take a long time to conclude"
— Sara Martinez-Bravo, head of Valais cantonal building commission

Swiss Zoning Laws Force Home Demolitions Despite Municipal Approval

Switzerland's Federal land use planning laws (LAT) were first proposed in 1979
Swiss zoning laws were tightened further after a successful vote in 2013
Some municipalities in Valais and Ticino interpreted federal zoning laws differently from cantonal authorities

700,000

CHF invested in renovation by Urs Trachsel

280,000

CHF demolition bill received by Urs Trachsel

Years since Bernard Dubosson built his chalet

"If the municipality had not granted a permit his chalet would not exist"
— Bernard Dubosson

"These cases are rare and take a long time to conclude"
— Sara Martinez-Bravo, head of Valais cantonal building commission