City and Townscape Protection Act (SOG)

What is the purpose of the City and Townscape Protection Act?

Innsbruck is developing rapidly and the pressure for growth is increasing. However, cultural, aesthetic and identity-forming aspects of historically grown streets and squares should not be lost in the process. For this reason, Innsbruck is focusing on preserving districts that are special in terms of architectural culture and integrating new buildings into the established. The city of Innsbruck has designated protection zones for districts and groups of buildings of particularly high quality. Urban spaces are to be preserved in their character, architecturally designed with quality in mind, and cautiously developed further.

Street furniture also contributes significantly to the characteristic appearance of urban spaces. Therefore, the design of guest gardens, merchandise stands and woven stands shall be coordinated in agreement with the Service Unit Projects, design and townscape protection .. coordinated.

The protection of local heritage finds its legal framework in the Tyrolean City and Local Heritage Protection Act - SOG.

Tools of urban and site protection

What does it mean if a building is located in a protection zone?

Innsbruck has designated protection zones. In these zones, "extended authorisation requirements"(§ 17 SOG) and design specifications apply that go beyond the requirements of the Tyrolean Building Code. In terms of content, the SOG is essentially aimed at the townscape, which is why the design requirements primarily relate to the exterior of buildings. The authorisation requirements are defined in § 19 SOG.

For example, the replacement of windows, the renovation of facades, the repainting of facades or the replacement of roof coverings are subject to authorisation. In practice, the planned measures are agreed with the responsible parties in advance.

You can find the relevant form here:

• Online form SOG authorisation
• PDF form SOG authorisation

The expert advisory board is consulted for construction projects in protection zones.

What is the purpose of the expert advisory board?

As an independent, expert committee, the expert advisory board is the central instrument for the protection of the townscape. The advisory board must be consulted during building procedures. It consists of seven members, is made up of architects and representatives of Innsbruck City Council, the Province of Tyrol, the University of Innsbruck and the Federal Monuments Office and meets around 25 times a year.

The advisory board deals with building enquiries, building applications, development and zoning plans, as well as boundary conditions and objectives for architectural competitions in the protected zones. Specifically, this can also include details such as lighting, loft conversions or shop portals.

You can discuss or further develop projects with the expert advisory board in an open and qualified manner in advance of the building permit procedure.

Are there separate subsidies for buildings in protection zones?

The municipality of Innsbruck, together with the province of Tyrol, supports projects in protection zones that serve to preserve the cityscape and townscape.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the SOG?

The case handlers at Service Unit Projects, design and townscape protection will be happy to advise you in advance about requirements and subsidies. Please simply make an appointment.