Shore protection exists to assure access to the shore for the general public and not just for those who own land there. It also protects plants and animals.
Shore protection exists throughout Sweden.
It can be said that the shore protection regulations in the Swedish Environmental Code, Section 7, sub-sections 13-18 h, reinforce the right of public access to shore locations. Everyone should have access to the shore, not just those who own land there. Many people enjoy waterside pursuits. It is important for outdoor recreation and tourism that this opportunity is available to everyone. The right of public access and shoreline access for everyone is virtually unique to Sweden.
The law also protects plants and animals. For many animals, shore areas are vitally important as a source of food and a place to rear their young. Many of our endangered species search for food along the shore. Natural shores also take up eutrophicating substances which would otherwise destroy rivers, lakes and oceans.
Building or making changes is generally forbidden where there is shore protection. In some cases, however, you could be granted dispensation from the shore protection regulations.
On July 1, 2009, the shore protection regulations were changed. The new regulations have resulted in both a tightening up and easing of the present regulations. The regulations also mean, with certain exceptions, that you can submit your dispensation application to the municipal authority.
In effect, everything that privatises land or water within a shore protection area or which changes the conditions for plants and animals is covered by the prohibition regulations in the Swedish Environmental Code.
The following are some examples of what could be prohibited:
|
Prohibited |
Examples |
|
Constructing a new building |
House, store, garden shed, houseboat, sauna, large extension |
|
Changing a building or the use of a building |
Conversion of a store into a second home, fitting out a boathouse for residential purposes, large extension |
|
Preparatory work |
Digging, felling trees, excavating, blasting, building a road |
|
Facility or arrangement that excludes the general public |
Jetty, greenhouse, car park, extended plot with a lawn, flower bed, bench, fence, hearth or flagpole; signs stating an area is private (if the general public has right of access). |
|
Actions that make it significantly more difficult for plants and animals |
Pier, dredging, infill or laying a lawn on the shore |
Further examples include the
- reinstatement of a burnt out or dilapidated building
and the construction or placing of
- roads
- facilities for outdoor recreation for the general public, such as rest cabins, windbreaks, permanent hearths and camping sites, toilets or refuse facilities, bathing areas and bathing jetties
- ancillary buildings, such as a guest cottage, garden shed, fishing lodge, outhouse, garage, toilet or boathouse
- sports facilities, e.g. tennis courts, boules pitches etc.
- clubhouse
- car parks
- cottages for rent and holiday villages
- hunting and fishing lodges
- piers and jetties
- ponds and wildlife lakes (unless examined under Section 11, water operations, in the Swedish Environmental Code)
- one or more buoys
There are, however, certain exceptions for commercial and agricultural activity related to specific land areas.