Mixed residential zones (SC, SU)

A zoning plan designates mixed residential zones where housing should mix mainly with local amenities, while buildings that reduce environmental quality must be excluded. Decree No. 157/2024 Coll. gives mining, metallurgy, chemicals, heavy engineering and sanitation services as examples of excluded uses (Section 20). Only buildings and facilities whose operation does not disturb the surroundings may be placed there, such as non-disturbing production and services.

How to read it

The uniform standard for zoning documentation uses these codes:

• SU - general mixed residential,
• SV - rural, usually in villages, including farm outbuildings and small-scale agriculture,
• SM - urban,
• SC - central, usually in town centres, including amenities of wider importance,
• SX - other.

The zone may also include recreational buildings, public spaces, greenery and related transport and utility infrastructure.

What it means for a buyer

A mixed zone means a livelier setting: shops and services nearby, but also more people, deliveries and businesses next door. Compared with a purely residential BH or BI zone, the plan allows a wider range of businesses around, as long as they do not disturb housing. In a rural SV zone, expect some small-scale farming as well.

A proposed mixed residential zone larger than 2 ha must include public space of at least 5% of its area, unless decisions there depend on a regulatory plan or a planning agreement.

Watch out for

• Older zoning plans, which remain valid, may use other codes. The regional MINIS methodology also had, for example, SK - commercial or SL - spa.
• What exactly is permitted is set in the text part of the municipality's plan, including the height limit.
• For noise from businesses and traffic, the noise map is also useful.