5 questions about cadastral maps

1. Cadastral maps: definition

A cadastral map is a true-to-scale representation of land and properties. Cadastral maps are relevant to construction law, among other things. In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for construction law. There are therefore no standardized rules, and use of the term ”cadastral map” can differ. For (prospective) property owners, two of these uses are particularly important:

• The cadastral map as part of the documents that must be submitted for mortgage applications and building applications.

• The PLR Cadastre, i.e. the cadastre of public law restrictions on landownership.

The cadastral map for building applications and financing

For construction projects requiring a permit, you must submit a building application to the commune. Depending on the commune, a building application includes, among other things, a building application form, a current land register extract, project plans and a current cadastral map. A cadastral map is also known as a cadastral survey or map for the land register.

The PLR Cadastre

Numerous legal bases and official decrees affect property. These must be taken into account during the approval process for a building project. They are referred to as public law restrictions on landownership (PLR). The PLR Cadastre details 23 of the most important of these in one place. This makes it easier to perform the necessary checks ahead of a building project. Other such restrictions are added on an ongoing basis.

Extract from the PLR Cadastre

The public law restrictions on landownership listed in the PLR Cadastre include land use plans, noise sensitivity requirements, forest perimeters, groundwater protection zones and areas assigned to the military. The cadastre also provides information on any existing underground contamination. You will also find the name and address of offices that can supply further details on a particular plot.

The public law restrictions on landownership will be checked when a building application is submitted. Depending on the canton, they are also part of the documents that must be submitted.

2. What are cadastral maps for?

Cadastral maps are important decision-making instruments for public authorities and private individuals alike. In the context of building projects, they indicate what’s possible, what’s not possible, and where additional permits are required. As well as helping to ensure objectivity when valuing a plot of land, cadastral maps provide transparency and legal clarity.

3. What is the difference between the PLR Cadastre and the land register?

The land register is a national record of rights pertaining to plots of land. Land register extracts secure private ownership rights to real estate and provide information on easements such as building regulations, rights of way or usufruct, as well as land charges and liens. An entry in the land register establishes, amends, transfers or cancels such rights.

Extracts from the land register each contain a cadastral number. This refers to the cadastral maps associated with the land register.

The PLR Cadastre is concerned with public law. It provides details of landownership restrictions based on federal or cantonal law. Unlike the land register, the PLR Cadastre does not only contain legally binding ownership restrictions. It also includes information on ongoing amendments that may have a legal precedence. The PLR Cadastre contains construction lines and project planning zones and thus provides information on, for example, where a motorway could later be built.

Building authorities refer to the PLR Cadastre to check whether a building application complies with legally binding specifications.

The cantons are responsible for the land register. The PLR Cadastre is also managed by the cantons, while the Federal Office for Topography (swisstopo) is responsible for overall supervision.

4. Where can I order a cadastral map?

Cadastral extracts or maps for the land register

If you are submitting a building application, you can obtain the necessary cadastral map containing data from the cadastral survey from the responsible review office. You can see who the surveyor for the corresponding property is at cadastre.ch.

Depending on the type of extract ordered (certified or not, analogue or digital), the costs may vary. In the city of Zurich, for example, a certified extract from the map for the land register costs 70 francs, and each additional copy 5 francs (link only available in German).

Extract from the PLR Cadastre

Some data from the PLR Cadastre is available online. You can view this data and download it in PDF format free of charge. To do this, visit the website and enter the relevant address in the search field.

Extract from the PLR Cadastre

Then click in the information displayed under “PLR Cadastre: Availability of the information” on the link to the PDF excerpt. You can also find the responsible review office under the information displayed.

Extract from the PLR Cadastre