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, sectoral plans and structure 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)
Cantonal structure plans were introduced by the Spatial Planning Act (SPA) of 22 June 1979. The structure plan is the key planning instrument used by the cantons. Its main task is to coordinate significant spatial planning activities at all levels of government with a view to achieving the desired development. Cantonal structure plans are approved by the Federal Council. The amendment to the Spatial Planning Act (SPA), which came into force in May 2014, clarified and strengthened the role of the structure plan in urban development.
Structure Plans (website of the Federal Office for Spatial Development, ARE)
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is enshrined in the Federal Constitution and has been guided by the Federal Council's Sustainable Development Strategy since 1997. The aim is to strike a balance among economic, social and environmental interests and to promote consistent policies at federal level.
Sustainable development (Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE website)
Further Information
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3003 Bern