Byggefelt
A byggefelt (building zone) is a delimited area in a zoning plan that is set aside for buildings, in other words where building is intended or permitted. On the plan map, the building zones appear as separate areas with a specific area purpose, for example housing, and each zone is usually given a zone code (such as BFS1 or BKB2) that links it to its own provisions about what and how much can be built there. The building zone is therefore the planning building block that a development area is divided into.
Dividing an area into building zones makes it possible to control development differently in different parts of a plan area. One zone can be set aside for detached houses with a low degree of utilisation, another for concentrated small-house development, and a third for blocks of flats with higher density. For each zone, the provisions set the permitted utilisation, building heights, purpose and often sequencing requirements, so that the plan as a whole shows how the area is to be developed. Between the building zones lie areas for roads, green structure and other infrastructure, which are not building areas.
The term is used both in a planning context and more informally. In a zoning plan, the building zone is a precisely delimited area with associated provisions. In everyday speech, especially about older residential areas, byggefelt is also used more loosely about an area that was zoned and developed as a whole, often within a particular period, so that the houses share the same age and style. The planning meaning is still the precise one: an area on the plan map with an area purpose and a set of provisions.
For a developer, it is the provisions of the building zone that decide what can actually be built on a plot. Two neighbouring properties can lie in different building zones with very different limits, even though they physically border each other. When you assess a property's development potential, the first step is therefore to find which building zone the property lies in, and read the associated provisions. Area purpose and zone division are coded to a national standard, so that building zones are presented in the same way from municipality to municipality, see the SOSI code lists for planning.
In larger plans, the building areas are often divided into many sub-zones, each with its own code and its own provisions, so that development can take place in stages and by different parties. Sequencing requirements can tie the development of one zone to infrastructure such as roads, green structure or a school being in place first. For someone who owns a plot in such a plan area, the zone division means that what, how much and when something can be built may all be controlled in detail.
In Placepoint, you can see the zoning plan and the area purpose for a property together with the matrikkel data, so that you find which building zone applies and which limits apply before you consider development.
From Placepoint's dictionary: Byggefelt
More information: Planning and Building Act section 12-5 (area purpose), Geonorge: SOSI code lists for planning
English: Building zone / development plot area (byggefelt; a delimited area in a zoning plan set aside for building, with its own formål and provisions).
Frequently asked questions
What is a byggefelt?
A byggefelt is a delimited area in a zoning plan set aside for buildings. On the plan map, it appears as an area with an area purpose and a zone code, linked to its own provisions.
Why is a plan area divided into building zones?
To control development differently in different parts of the area: a different degree of utilisation, building heights and purpose per zone. Between the zones lie roads, green structure and infrastructure.
What is a zone code?
A code (such as BFS1 or BKB2) that identifies the building zone on the plan map and links it to the provisions that apply to that particular zone.
How do I know which limits apply to my plot?
Find which building zone the plot lies in, and read the provisions for that zone. Two neighbouring plots can lie in different building zones with very different limits for development potential.
Are building zones presented in the same way in all municipalities?
Yes. Area purpose and zone division are coded to a national standard, see the SOSI code lists for planning, so that building zones are shown in the same way from municipality to municipality.