privégebouw

Privégebouw is a Dutch term that translates to "private building." In common usage it designates a building that is privately owned or privately operated, as opposed to a publiek gebouw (public building) which is owned, funded, or operated by government or public authorities. The designation focuses on ownership and management rather than function.

Privégebouwen can be residential, commercial, or institutional. They may be owned by individuals, families, corporations, or private foundations. Access to privégebouwen is not guaranteed to the public; some are strictly private, while others are open to visitors by invitation or during organized open days. Even when publicly accessible, liability and safety standards apply to the owner.

Regulatory framework: Private buildings must comply with national and local building codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations. Planning permission is required for construction or substantial modification. Property law governs rights and obligations of owners and tenants within privégebouwen, including maintenance responsibilities, liability for damages, and easements.

In architectural history and urban planning, privégebouw is used to distinguish non-public sector buildings in inventories, conservation plans, and real estate data. It may appear in heritage registers when noting the ownership category of a listed property.

See also related topics such as private property, public building, architecture, urban planning, and property law.