Zoning plan of České Budějovice
České Budějovice on a metropolitan scale
České Budějovice, together with its surrounding municipalities, forms a functional metropolitan entity. These municipalities use the city’s civic amenities and job opportunities, which leads to increased traffic congestion. The solution includes supporting alternative forms of transport (public transport, cycling, P+R) and coordinating territorial development with suburban areas.
A green system that connects the city with the surrounding landscape and strengthens its ecological, recreational and economic functions is also essential. This system should be part of the zoning plan and at the same time supported by other tools, such as coordinating the management of suburban landscapes and public education.
Adaptation to climate change – green infrastructure
The city integrates blue-green infrastructure into all levels of planning, thereby connecting water management, public space, mobility and ecological stability. Key elements include landscape wedges, green axes around watercourses and measures to improve the landscape’s ability to retain water and prevent droughts and floods.
| Project name: | Zoning plan of České Budějovice |
| Authors: | Pavel Hnilička Architects+Planners (CZ), Studio MAP (CZ), Omgeving (BE) |
| Co-operation: | Mott MacDonald, Studio Relinkt, Štepán Špoula |
| Client: | The city of České Budějovice |
| Year: | 2025 |
Adaptation to climate change - green infrastructure
The city integrates blue-green infrastructure into all levels of planning, thereby connecting water management, public space, mobility and ecological stability. Key elements include landscape wedges, green axes around watercourses and measures to improve the landscape's ability to retain water and prevent droughts and floods.
Developing city
The new zoning plan supports multifunctional districts with accessible services and high-quality public space. It focuses on connecting city districts with various forms of transport, transformation areas and efficient use of areas for housing, jobs and civic amenities.
With the expected increase in population by a third by 2050, it is necessary to analyze the city's capacities and ensure sufficient infrastructure and services. The strategy also includes the transformation of industrial areas into mixed districts with new jobs. Each district will have its own card with regulations and construction requirements.
Regulatory tools of the zoning plan
The zoning plan establishes different ways of using the territory with an emphasis on multifunctionality and flexibility. It defines clear development rules in transformation and buildable areas. For key areas, it requires the preparation of more detailed studies (territorial studies, regulatory plans).
Short-distance city.
The transport strategy is based on the principle of a “15-minute city”, where essential services are accessible on foot or by bike. The emphasis is on high-quality public transport, pedestrian accessibility and the development of cycle paths. The zoning plan will specify key public spaces that shape the character of the city and support sustainable mobility.
Scale approaches in zoning planning
Planning takes place at four scale levels:
1. Metropolitan level (XL) – the role of the city in the region.
2. City-wide level (L) – main strategic concepts.
3. Neighbourhood level (M) – visions for individual parts of the city.
4. Detailed level (S) – regulatory measures and urban studies for specific locations.
