The Local Urban Plan (PLU) of La Roche-sur-Foron is being updated to better control its development. This essential document sets construction rules for the municipal territory, defining buildable areas, authorized building types (housing, businesses, public facilities), maximum heights, and spaces to be preserved (natural, agricultural, green). The modification aims to reduce soil artificialization, postpone certain large projects, integrate more affordable housing, and strengthen environmental requirements.
Launched in late 2024, the PLU modification underwent a public inquiry in February 2026, gathering feedback from residents and partner organizations. The new municipal team then reworked the project around four main orientations.
Firstly, the preservation of natural and agricultural land is enhanced: 10 hectares will no longer be open to immediate construction, equivalent to about fifteen football fields. This measure aligns with the Climat et Résilience law, which mandates halving the consumption of such land between 2021 and 2031, towards the national goal of "net zero artificialization" (ZAN) by 2050. The municipality, which consumed 16.62 hectares between 2011 and 2021, must limit its consumption to 8.31 hectares for the 2021-2031 period. Having already consumed 2.66 hectares between 2021 and 2023, it has 5.65 hectares remaining for 2024-2031. The previous PLU allowed for the urbanization of 14 hectares, so this modification removes 10 hectares from immediate development. The sectors remaining open for construction now cover 4.08 hectares, including Goutette Follieuse (1.3 ha), Goutette Collège (1.8 ha, designated for a public facility), Broys en Falot (0.4 ha), and Broys Ouest (0.58 ha). The PLU also permits the installation of demountable residences and light habitats.
Secondly, major real estate projects are being put on hold. While 13 building permits for over 700 housing units have been filed in the last three years, the PLU modification postpones construction in two potentially developable sectors: the "Tex" sector (approximately 600 units) is reclassified as a "future urbanization zone," and the "Goutette Sud" sector (approximately 160 units) will not be able to have building permits filed before 2031. The aim is to give the municipality time to anticipate the arrival of new residents and their needs for nurseries, healthcare, public facilities, and transportation.
Thirdly, the proportion of affordable housing is increasing in future real estate developments: from 35% to 40% on average in regulated project areas (OAP), and from 25% to 35% in the rest of the municipality for relevant operations. Purchase through the Solidarity Real Lease (BRS) will be prioritized, potentially reducing purchase prices by about 30%. For example, in a 50-unit project, 20 would be social housing (15 rental, 5 BRS). Income ceilings apply, with a maximum annual income of €30,424 for a single person eligible for social rental housing, and €38,844 for social ownership (BRS).
Finally, the transformation of existing neighborhoods is better managed with the creation of two new project sectors: rue Vaulet and rue du Buisson. The idea is to prioritize renovation and rebuilding the city within itself.
Several rules are evolving for new constructions: green space requirements are increasing in urban zones Ua, Ub, and Uc, with 60% needing to be contiguous to maintain substantial ground-level areas. Outdoor parking spaces must use permeable materials, except for those for people with reduced mobility. Underground or integrated parking will remain open to prevent street parking overflow. Secure bicycle parking spaces, at least 1.5 m² per spot, will be mandatory. Rules for fences, building size, and rainwater management have also been clarified for easier understanding and application.
In summary, this PLU modification seeks to balance the need for housing, land preservation, accommodating new residents, and maintaining public services. For any questions regarding PLU or territorial planning, the Urban Planning department of the town hall is available.
