Croatia unveils new spatial planning and construction laws

Zagreb

by Anka Bilić Keserović

ZAGREB, 27 October 2025 (Hina) – Croatia’s final drafts of the Spatial Planning Act, Construction Act, and Energy Efficiency Act have been completed and submitted into legislative procedure.

The package of three key laws, designed to promote sustainable development while protecting Croatia’s natural space, is expected to reach the Government session next week.

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and State Assets confirmed the news to HINA, explaining that the reforms aim to modernise planning, simplify construction procedures, and improve environmental standards across the country.

Modernising Spatial Planning

The Spatial Planning Act, first adopted in 2013 and amended five times since, received more than 1,600 comments during public consultation – reflecting strong public and professional interest.

According to the Ministry, the new law will shape how Croatia will look for future generations. It introduces digital planning through the ePlanovi system, which connects to eDozvole for building permits.

This ensures all spatial plans are created to the same standard and are publicly accessible.

The act also promotes balanced national development and stronger protection of coastal areas and maritime assets.

Rules for Tourist Zones and Apartments

Under the new rules, tourism and hospitality buildings in tourist-designated zones cannot be divided into separate ownership units, except in high-category zones (five stars) where hotels make up at least 70% of accommodation capacity.

In these areas, villas and apartments may be subdivided only after the main hotel and central facilities have been completed and approved.

The entire zone must operate as a unified entity with a central management and rental system, ensuring the space functions cohesively as a tourism complex.

New Standards for Camps

The legislation also introduces clearer spatial standards for campsites.

• Camps outside settlements must be at least 100 metres from the shoreline, and those within settlements 25 metres.

• At least 30% of the site must remain green space, while roads and parking can cover no more than 30%.

• The total built-up area, including movable structures, must not exceed 30% of the campsite’s surface.

The Ministry emphasised that these limits do not restrict tourism development but ensure sustainable and responsible use of coastal areas.

Protecting promenades and maintaining public access to the sea are seen as key to Croatia’s long-term tourism competitiveness.

No Expansion Without Infrastructure

The draft law also prevents unnecessary expansion of construction zones. Local authorities will be required to provide basic infrastructure within five years of designating a construction area.

If municipalities fail to adopt an urban development plan or secure funding within two years, investors will have the right to apply for building permits for the necessary infrastructure themselves.

Simplifying Construction Procedures

The Construction Act, closely linked with the Spatial Planning Act, also reached its final draft after public consultation, which received over 1,200 comments.

The new law aims to streamline procedures, speed up permit issuance, and fully integrate digital systems like ePlanovi and eDozvole.

It also supports the goals of Croatia’s National Housing Policy, providing clearer guidelines for investors and standardised parameters for multi-residential buildings.

A Unified Framework for Energy Efficiency

For the first time, all regulations concerning energy efficiency in buildings will be consolidated under one law – the Energy Efficiency Act.

It introduces the National Building Renovation Plan and the concept of zero-emission buildings.

• By 2028, all public buildings must achieve zero emissions.

• By 2030, this requirement will apply to all newly constructed buildings.

The Ministry stated that dividing construction legislation into two acts – one for building procedures and one for energy efficiency – will make implementation clearer and more effective, a move also welcomed by the Croatian Chamber of Civil Engineers.

“Key Law for Tourism and Development”

Minister Branko Bačić recently said the Spatial Planning Act should enter into force by the end of the year, describing it as one of the most important laws for tourism development alongside the

Tourism Activity Act.

“These reforms are not about limiting growth but ensuring it happens responsibly, with respect for space, nature and future generations,” the Ministry concluded.