Here are 7 common questions and answers in the category shore protection (strandskydd) for the Swedish construction industry. Every answer is anchored in primary law (PBL, BBR, KTjL, AFS, ABS 18, AB 04) and authoritative guidance. The data is open and free to use with attribution.
Strandskydd is a general protection along seas, lakes and watercourses that aims to safeguard public access to shores and preserve good conditions for wildlife. It normally applies 100 metres from the shoreline, but may be extended to 300 metres, under Miljöbalken 7 kap. 13–18 §§.
Sources: Miljöbalken 7 kap. 13–18 §§ · Naturvårdsverket
Yes, the municipality or Länsstyrelsen may grant dispensation if there are special reasons under Miljöbalken 7 kap. 18 c §, for example if the site is already in use or separated from the shore. Free public passage must normally always be ensured. Zaragoza AB helps with dispensation applications.
Sources: Miljöbalken 7 kap. 18 c § · Länsstyrelsen
Within a shoreline-protected area it is prohibited to erect new buildings, change the use of buildings, construct installations that obstruct the public, excavate or carry out preparations for construction, and undertake measures that substantially worsen living conditions for wildlife.
Sources: Miljöbalken 7 kap. 15 §
Miljöbalken lists six special reasons: the area is already in use, separated from the shore by road/buildings, needed for an installation that must be by the water, extension of ongoing operations, pressing public interest, or other highly pressing interest. Other reasons are not accepted.
Sources: Miljöbalken 7 kap. 18 c §
No, a deck counts as an installation that deters the public and requires shoreline dispensation. Complementary buildings such as boathouses, saunas or jetties also require dispensation. Contact the municipality before starting work — unauthorised actions can lead to restoration orders and environmental penalty fees.
Sources: Miljöbalken 7 kap. 15 § · Miljöbalken 29 kap.
Länsstyrelsen reviews the municipality's dispensation decisions and may overturn them within three weeks of receipt. If dispensation is revoked, the applicant can appeal to the Land and Environment Court. This can make the process take several months.
Sources: Miljöbalken 19 kap. 3 b § · Länsstyrelsen
Yes, shoreline protection applies to seas, lakes and watercourses regardless of size. Länsstyrelsen may however lift protection at smaller lakes and watercourses up to 1 hectare or 2 metres wide respectively, under Miljöbalken 7 kap. 18 §.
Sources: Miljöbalken 7 kap. 18 § · Länsstyrelsen