The purpose of shoreline protection is to safeguard public access to areas for swimming and outdoor recreation and to preserve good conditions for plant and animal life on land and in water. The same rules apply throughout Sweden.

Scope

Shoreline protection applies to all lakes and watercourses, regardless of size, and is regulated by the Swedish Environmental Code (Miljöbalken). The general shoreline protection area covers land and water extending 100 metres from the shoreline at normal water levels.

Shoreline protection is a restriction

Within a shoreline protection area, it is generally not permitted to build or carry out measures that extend the private use of a property. This applies even if you own the land. Certain measures that do not expand the private area may be carried out without an exemption, such as renovating a house. Such measures are not considered to restrict public access to the area or harm plant and animal life.

Special rules apply to commercial forestry, agriculture and fishing.

Exemption from shoreline protection

Under certain circumstances, an exemption may be granted for a measure that would otherwise be prohibited under shoreline protection legislation. The measure must not negatively affect outdoor recreation or plant and animal life. In addition, there must be specific grounds for granting an exemption.

To ensure public access to the shoreline, a free passage must be maintained between the shoreline and any building or structure.

Applying for an exemption

Applications for shoreline protection exemptions must be submitted to the Building and Environment Unit (Bygg- och miljöenheten). Supporting documents and drawings showing the proposed measure must be included with the application.

A fee is charged for shoreline protection cases in accordance with the tariff adopted by the Municipal Council (kommunfullmäktige). Please note that the municipality may charge a fee even if the application is denied.