Transport and utility infrastructure zones (DS, TU)

A zoning plan designates transport infrastructure zones for roads, railways, waterways, airports and other transport structures where traffic intensity and its impacts prevent including them in other zones (Section 21 of Decree No. 157/2024 Coll.). Utility infrastructure zones are for water mains, reservoirs, sewers, sewage treatment plants, waste management, substations, switching stations, power and communication lines (Section 22).

How to read it

• Transport: DU general, DS road, DN non-motorised (walking and cycling), DD rail, DV water, DL air, DK combined, DX other.
• Utilities: TU general, TW water management, TE energy, TS electronic communications, TO waste management, TX other.

According to the ministry's methodology, a DS zone covers motorways, class I to III roads and main local roads including embankments, bridges and roadside greenery, but also bus stations, multi-storey garages, car parks or petrol stations. Smaller streets are usually part of other zones, such as public spaces.

Besides zones, a plan may designate a corridor, i.e. an area for a future linear transport or utility project (Section 12 of the Building Act No. 283/2021 Coll.). A corridor can also overlay other zones.

What it means for a buyer

A stabilised DS zone next to a house is usually an existing road; the noise map shows its impact. A proposed transport zone or corridor may mean a future bypass or new street and may be designated as a public benefit construction, for which land can be expropriated. A utility site next door may affect its surroundings, and utility lines have protection zones that restrict building.

Watch out for

• Older zoning plans, which remain valid, may use other codes. The regional MINIS methodology used DZ for rail and TI for utilities.
• A zone or corridor in the plan does not mean the project will be built; it shows what the plan allows for.
• The binding wording is the specific municipality's plan. The plan does not tell you whether utilities are available; that is checked with the network operators.