The SUPSI Tax and Legal Competence Center (CCTG) is pleased to invite you to a study afternoon dedicated to selected issues in building and planning law that intersect with the field of renewable energy.
The first part of the afternoon will focus on planning aspects in the energy sector, with particular attention to procedures for amending planning instruments at both cantonal and municipal levels. Following an initial overview of the legal framework in planning and the relevant federal and cantonal energy regulations, the procedure for amending the zoning plan will be addressed in detail, with reference to the Spatial Development Act (LST) and its implementing regulation, as well as the instruments available to citizens.
The session will then turn to the application principles of Article 18a of the Federal Spatial Planning Act (LPT), concerning the installation of solar panels in historic village centres. Particular emphasis will be given to the facilitations provided under federal law, possible cantonal restrictions, and, in the case of Ticino, the requirement for a building permit in village cores. Special attention will also be paid to Article 18a(4) LPT, which, as a rule, places the public interest in the use of solar energy above aesthetic concerns. Through the presentation of cases and recent case law, participants will receive practical guidance on the planning and building implications. 
Finally, the afternoon will conclude with an analysis of the precautionary principle, a cornerstone of environmental law with particular relevance to energy issues. This principle requires that, even where facilities comply with statutory limits, all technically feasible and economically proportionate measures must be adopted to minimise potential disturbances. Its practical application—extended to all types of emissions and fixed installations—will be illustrated through a recurring case example concerning noise emissions produced by heat pumps.

Programme and Speakers

Renewable Energy and Spatial Planning: Amendments to Planning Instruments
Lorenza Ponti Broggini
Attorney-at-law, Partner, COLLEGAL Law and Notary Firm, Lugano

Article 18a LPT and the Installation of Solar Panels in Village Centres: Facilitations, Limitations and Implications for Planning and Building Law
Filippo Zanetti
Attorney-at-law, Studio 1896, Lugano

The Precautionary Principle in Administrative Law with a Case Study on Heat Pump Installations
Mattia Bordignon
Attorney-at-law, Partner, Cereghetti & Partner Law and Notary Firm, Lugano

Fees
CHF 350.–
CHF 300.– for members of partner organisations (Boss Editore and other partner institutions)

Registration
https://bit.ly/seminario-13-11-2025