Beach protection dispensation retrospectively

Beach protection dispensation retrospectively

Beach protection is an important part of Swedish legislation that aims to protect our beaches and the animals and plants that live there. But sometimes it may be necessary to apply for an exemption from the beach protection, for example if you want to build a jetty or a house near the beach. In this article, we will explain what beach protection means, how you can apply for a beach protection exemption and what you can do if you need to apply for a beach protection exemption afterwards.

Beach protection is a general protection that applies throughout Sweden. It applies to all coasts, lakes and waterways and aims to protect animals and plants that live on the shores and in the lakes. The coastal protection means that it is prohibited to build new buildings, change the use of existing buildings or carry out other measures that may prevent or limit public access to a public area. It is also prohibited to carry out actions that significantly change the living conditions of animal or plant species.

How do I apply for a beach protection exemption?

If you want to carry out an action that is prohibited according to the beach protection, you can apply for a beach protection dispensation from your municipality. In order to get a beach protection dispensation, you must have special reasons and that the measure does not conflict with the aims of the beach protection. For example, you can get a beach protection dispensation if the area is already used in a way that makes it irrelevant for the purposes of beach protection, or if the area is needed for a facility that must be located by the water for its function.

Can I apply for a beach protection dispensation afterwards?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a coastal protection dispensation retrospectively for measures that have already been implemented. The test is then based on how the site looked before the measure was taken or the building was erected. You apply in the same way as for a regular beach protection exemption. Read more here what is required for beach protection dispensation. Exemption from beach protection

What happens if I carry out a prohibited action without a beach protection exemption?

If you carry out a prohibited action within a coastal protection area without applying for a coastal protection dispensation, it can be considered an environmental crime. You may then be notified and may have to change your measure so that it complies with the existing rules, or demolish what you have built and restore the land. You may also have to pay a finance charge.

Beach protection is an important part of Swedish legislation that protects our beaches and the animals and plants that live there. But sometimes it may be necessary to apply for an exemption from the beach protection. If you need to apply for an exemption afterwards, it is important that you do so as soon as possible to avoid possible legal consequences.