Principles of spatial planning policy
Switzerland's land resources are under threat. Population growth and rising mobility, combined with the spatial needs of the economy, are driving demand for land for housing, employment and transport infrastructure. Built-up areas are continuing to expand, with around one square metre of agricultural land lost every second.
- The primary objective of Swiss spatial planning policy is to ensure the sustainable use of land.
- Specifically, it aims to limit further land development in order to preserve the landscape and maintain Switzerland’s appeal as a place to live and work.
- The federal government pursues this objective within the relevant legal framework and through instruments such as sectoral plans and the Spatial Strategy for Switzerland.
Spatial Planning Act
The federal government responds to current developments through the Spatial Planning Act, which curbs land consumption, reduces oversized building zones and makes better use of land already designated for development. This ensures more compact urban development, protects the landscape and helps to maintain Switzerland's appeal as a place to live and work.
15.10.2025
Federal Council adopts revised Spatial Planning Ordinance (in German)
Spatial Strategy for Switzerland
- How and where do we want to live and work in the future?
- Where should energy be produced and transport routes established?
- And where can we preserve space for nature, recreation and agriculture?
The Spatial Strategy for Switzerland is a guiding framework and decision-making tool for Switzerland's future spatial development. It was developed jointly by all levels of government and updated for the period up to 2026.
Dedicated Spatial Strategy for Switzerland website
Spatial Strategy for Switzerland (Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE website – in German)
Policies and sectoral plans
The policies and sectoral plans referred to in Article 13 of the Spatial Planning Act (SPA) are the federal government's most important spatial planning instruments. They enable it to thoroughly fulfil its planning and coordination obligations for activities having a spatial impact. They also help the federal government address the increasingly complex spatial challenges it faces in carrying out tasks that affect spatial planning.
Policies and sectoral plans (Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE website – in German)
Swiss National Soil Strategy
The Swiss National Soil Strategy and associated package of measures are designed to sustainably safeguard soil as a resource. The strategy specifically pursues the following objectives:
- reduce land consumption
- protect soil from harmful impacts
- restore degraded soils
- heighten awareness of the value and sensitivity of soil
- strengthen international commitment.
Swiss National Soil Strategy (Federal Office for the Environment website – in German)
Further Information
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Contact
Federal Palace North
3003 Bern