Bygglinjer

Bygglinjer, or building lines, are lines in planning documents that designate where construction on a property may be placed relative to streets or public spaces. They define a setback or alignment requirement for buildings, effectively indicating how close to the property edge or street a façade may be located. The purpose is to influence the street character, daylight access, and safety, while guiding the massing and arrangement of buildings in a district.

Typically a bygglinje is established in a detaljplan or områdesbestämmelser and binding for future construction. It may specify the front setback from the street, the alignment of the building along the block, and may limit protruding elements that would violate the line. In practice, new constructions must respect the bygglinje; deviations generally require plan changes or special permissions from the planning authority.

Bygglinjer play a key role in both historic and contemporary areas. In older city centers they help preserve uniform street façades and orderly urban form, while in new developments they support pedestrian-friendly streets, daylight, and views. They interact with other planning tools such as tomtgräns (property boundaries), höjdbegränsningar (height limits), and allowed plot coverage.

In short, bygglinjer are planning instruments that regulate where buildings may stand on a parcel in relation to streets and public space, contributing to the appearance, functionality, and character of an area.