Siirtopohjus

Siirtopohjus refers to a concept in Finnish land use and planning, often translated as "transferable development rights" or "floor area entitlement." It is a mechanism designed to manage and reallocate building rights within urban areas. Essentially, it allows a property owner who has unused or excess building rights on their land to sell or transfer these rights to another property owner in a different, designated location.

The primary purpose of a siirtopohjus system is to encourage development in areas where it is desired, such as in central urban districts or areas undergoing revitalization, while simultaneously allowing for the preservation of existing structures or open spaces in other parts of the city. It provides a market-based solution for land use management, offering flexibility for developers and planners. By enabling the transfer of development potential, municipalities can steer growth towards more sustainable and efficient urban forms.

The implementation of siirtopohjus typically involves specific regulations and zoning ordinances. The transferable rights are usually quantified, often as a certain amount of floor area that can be added to a receiving property. There are usually restrictions on where these rights can be transferred to, ensuring that the receiving areas are appropriately zoned and can accommodate increased density. This system can be a valuable tool for achieving urban planning goals, promoting efficient land use, and contributing to the vitality of cities.