Construction should be made easier: staff apartments will be considered hotels in the future

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

The initiative of Graubünden FDP States member Martin Schmid (54) was adopted by the National Council with 103 votes in favor and 78 abstentions.

The proponents of this proposal want to combat the housing shortage in tourist regions. To make it easier, these buildings will be exempt from the permit requirement in the future as “permanent establishments”.

Operating a hotel requires a lot of staff who must be housed on site, especially in the mountains, says committee spokesperson Sidney Kamerzin (48). In the hotel industry you have to commute four times, not twice, so proximity to the accommodation is crucial. Lighting is therefore desirable.

“Special treatment for the tourism sector is not appropriate”

However, a minority believed that this would increase the housing shortage for the population, especially in tourist regions, said minority spokeswoman Tamara Funiciello (33). Moreover, it is already possible for foreign owners to acquire such properties if there is a permit.

The Federal Council also rejected the motion. The motion wants to make an exception for hotel owners, says Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (59). The housing shortage is bad for everyone and special treatment for the tourism sector is not appropriate. However, the minority and Baume-Schneider did not get through with their votes.

Because the Council of States had already approved the motion in March, the Federal Council must now adjust the so-called ‘Lex Koller’. (SDA)

Source:Blick