Prohibited zones: how construction will be carried out near cultural sites, and how cultural heritage advocates can interfere it

Abstract: The new version of the “Regulations on cultural heritage site protection zones”, which came into force on the 1st of March in this year, established new rules for surveys, construction and economic activities near cultural monuments. Now, there are not only more prohibitions, but also more freedoms, not only specific things, but also unclear ones.

Elena Chegotova, an expert in urban planning legislation, technical regulation and digitalization of construction in St. Petersburg, told at the webinar “The status of cultural heritage site protection zones starting with 01.03.2025", which was organized by “Business Communications Center Forum Skills” LLC, why this document was adopted, how to design and build objects near historical sites now.

In this article, we will briefly outline the information that we learned at the webinar and from some open sources. We will tell you why it is necessary to collect as much evidence as possible to prove that it is possible to carry out construction, repair work or other economic activity near a cultural monument before those work. We will consider the need to understand the interests of cultural heritage advocates and the value of their activities, because the latter may cause the construction to be stopped.

Keywords: cultural heritage sites; historical and cultural monuments; protected zone; combined protected zone; special protection regime; historical-cultural expertise; law enforcement practice; cultural heritage advocates