Amendment to the zoning plan of the Katariina area – to assess the architectural and cultural values of the area

3.3.2025 | The City Planning Department of Kotka has drafted an amendment to the zoning plan for the Katariina residential area. The Katariina zoning plan proposal, along with its explanatory report, will be publicly available for review until March 31, 2025.

The plan assesses the architectural and cultural values of the Katariina area. As part of the zoning amendment, a building guideline will be prepared, providing practical advice on the maintenance of buildings and the surrounding environment. The goal of both the zoning plan and the building guideline is to preserve the historical character and urban landscape of the Katariina residential area for future generations.

Two Resident Meetings

Two resident meetings will be held regarding the Katariina zoning amendment. The first meeting will take place on March 11 from 17:00 to 19:00 at the auditorium of Kotka Main Library, Kirkkokatu 24. The second meeting will be held as a Teams webinar on March 25 from 16:00 to 18:00.

Any questions and webinar registrations must be sent by March 23 to the email address kaavoitus@kotka.fi.

During the meetings, discussions will take place, and questions regarding the zoning plan, building guideline, and building conservation will be answered.

Building Conservation Does Not Prevent Renovation

The zoning amendment has raised concerns among Katariina residents. In practice, however, building conservation simply means valuing one’s living environment and maintaining buildings.

Building conservation does not mean turning buildings into museums, nor does it prohibit renovations. Instead, it aims to keep the area vibrant and its buildings in good condition. Conservation does not impose obligations on residents. Only actions requiring a building permit may be subject to more detailed regulations when affecting historically valuable buildings, compared to ordinary structures.

Building Conservation Does Not Apply to Interiors

Building conservation only concerns the external characteristics of a building, such as façades and roofing, and does not affect interiors. Installing air source heat pumps and solar panels is still allowed, but special attention should be given to their placement and suitability for the surroundings.

Conservation encourages the use of materials and techniques appropriate for Katariina in the maintenance and renovation of buildings and yards. Generally, traditional materials and techniques are ecological, safe, easy to implement, simple to maintain, and durable against wear and time.

The conservation regulations recommend restoring altered exterior features of buildings closer to their original appearance. Such restoration is easiest and most practical when carried out alongside other renovation projects. A well-maintained, historically fitting old building enhances the value of the entire neighborhood.