Forest land (PUPFL - land designated for forest functions)

Land designated for forest functions (pozemky určené k plnění funkcí lesa, PUPFL) is defined in Section 3 of Czech Forest Act No. 289/1995 Coll. It includes forest land proper, i.e. land with forest stands, clearings after felling intended for regeneration, and forest rides and unpaved forest roads up to 5 m wide. It also includes 'other land' related to the forest or serving forestry, such as paved forest roads, forest glades, nurseries, water areas up to 2 ha or game fields, unless they belong to the agricultural land fund.

How to read it

In the land register, forest is recorded as the land type 'lesní pozemek' (forest land). The parcel also carries the protection status 'pozemek určený k plnění funkcí lesa', which land of another type may have too, for example 'other area' with a forest road. The land use 'les s budovou' (forest with a building) means that a building stands on forest land that has not been removed from forest functions.

What it means for a buyer

Forest land must be managed under the Forest Act and its use for other purposes is prohibited. An exception, i.e. removal from forest functions or restriction of use, is granted by the state forest administration authority, and only where another public interest outweighs the interest in forest functions. Removal for a new building must comply with the zoning plan, and a fee is usually charged. Only minor facilities listed in the Act, such as a well or borehole of up to 55 m², may be placed without removal.

Building within 30 m of a forest edge

Under Section 14(2) of the Forest Act, a binding opinion of the state forest administration authority is also required where land within 30 m of the forest edge is affected. It is usually issued by the municipal office of the municipality with extended powers, which may set conditions to protect the forest. For projects permitted under the Building Act it is usually part of the single environmental opinion (jednotné environmentální stanovisko). Older materials mention 50 m; that distance now applies to the ban on making fires near a forest.

Frequently asked questions

Can I build a cottage or garage on forest land?

Only if the zoning plan allows it and the forest authority removes the land from forest functions. Otherwise it is an unauthorised use of forest land.

Can I build in a garden next to a forest?

Usually yes, but a building within 30 m of the forest edge needs a binding opinion from the forest authority. Check the distance from the boundary of the forest parcel on the cadastral map.