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A heart drawn in the sand on a beach.

Shoreline protection and exemptions

How shoreline protection works: what is prohibited, where exemptions exist, and how to apply.

Updated:

Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.

About shoreline protection

Shoreline protection secures public access to shores and safeguards plants and animals on land and in water. The rules are set out in the Environmental Code and have applied since 1950.

Where it applies

  • Along all shores by the sea, lakes and watercourses, regardless of size.
  • In towns and in rural areas.
  • Regardless of habitat type and species.

Distance from the shoreline

Shoreline protection normally covers one hundred metres from the shoreline, both on land and out into the water. The protected area includes the environment below the water surface.

Rules within the shoreline protection area

Prohibited measures

  • Constructing new buildings.
  • Altering buildings or putting up structures or installations that deter public access.
  • Excavating or otherwise preparing for construction.
  • Taking actions that can harm plant and animal life.

Examples of what is not allowed

  • Jetties, piers, fences, vegetable plots, barbecue areas and car parks that privatise the area.
  • Actions that damage nature, such as felling trees, laying lawns, dredging, depositing spoil or applying fertiliser.

Exemptions and permits

Where protection may be removed

In some places, for example within parts of a detailed development plan in a town, shoreline protection may be removed. The purpose is then secured in other ways, or existing development is older than the protection and the protection is not relevant.

Exemptions for agriculture and forestry

Certain measures that are part of business operations in agriculture and forestry are exempt from the prohibitions.

Apply for an exemption – how it works

You can apply to the municipality for an exemption for a specific measure, such as constructing a building or installation. There are specific grounds that must be met. Often one ground is enough, but sometimes several are required. You must show how the grounds are fulfilled.

Validity and further measures

An exemption is valid for two years. If you plan further measures later, a new application may be needed.

Contact and fees

If you are unsure about the rules for your property, contact the Environment and Building Unit via Citizen Service on +46 921 620 00 or by email at mob@boden.se.
The municipality charges a fee for processing under the adopted fee schedule.

Supervision in case of violations

If someone breaches shoreline protection, the municipality must investigate suspected violations and act if needed. This work is called supervision. Some breaches happen unknowingly.

Do you want to access a specific document? Contact Citizen Service, and we will help you retrieve and read the full document.

Contact

Environment and Building Department

E-mail: mob@boden.se

Phone: +46 921 620 00