The Canton of Bern relaxes its antenna regulations
Amateur radio aerials will, in future, generally be permitted in all building zones.
On 9 June 2026, the Canton of Bern took an important step for radio amateurs in the canton. The Parliament referred the motion ‘Do not unnecessarily hinder radio amateurs’ and tasked the government with drafting a new law.
Administrative hurdle removed
Under the new rules, amateur radio antenna installations, as defined in Article 37a of the Telecommunications Act, will in principle be permitted in all building zones. This removes a significant administrative hurdle to the installation of station antennas.
However, practical implementation requires a nuanced approach. A sub-motion to amend the Building Permits Decree, which aimed to introduce a simplified building permit procedure – the so-called ‘small building permit’ – failed to secure a majority and was rejected.
‘Significant milestone’
USKA President Bernard Wehrli, HB9ALH, describes the result as a “significant milestone for radio amateurs in the canton of Bern”. The legal enshrinement in the model building regulations creates “a clear basis for legitimacy vis-à-vis the local authorities”.
Nevertheless, Wehrli points out the remaining procedural steps. As the motion for the simplified procedure was rejected, responsibility for amending building legislation now lies directly with the individual municipalities. “This process of harmonising municipal regulations with the cantonal model building regulations is likely to take some time,” says the USKA President.
Stronger case
For radio amateurs planning current projects, a pragmatic solution exists despite the transitional phase. When submitting a new planning application, it is now possible to refer explicitly to the new wording of the cantonal model regulations for building. This strengthens the applicants’ case with the local planning authorities even before the final amendment of the local regulations.
