Memorandum Submitted on the Draft Local Urban Plan – Focus on Property Security and Sustainable Development
A detailed memorandum containing proposals on the draft Local Urban Plan (LUP) of Kalymnos has been submitted, highlighting the need to safeguard property rights, ensure balanced development, and protect the island’s natural and cultural assets.
Maintaining the 4,000 sq.m. Rule
A key proposal calls for maintaining the 4,000 sq.m. minimum plot requirement for out-of-plan construction, particularly in mild development areas such as Skalia, Kefala (Emporios), and Palionisos. Alternative measures include stricter subdivision limits and increased plot requirements for tourist accommodations.
Settlement Boundaries and Urban Planning
The memorandum stresses that settlement boundaries should not be reduced, while allowing targeted expansions where necessary. It also calls for harmonizing the coastal building line at 15 meters from the shoreline in accordance with the latest regulatory framework.
Environment, Tourism and Climbing Fields
Proposals include the establishment of a mild tourism development zone, protection of climbing fields through designated non-buildable areas, and special provisions for the island’s thermal springs and diving park. Archaeological sites are also to receive enhanced protection.
Environmental measures such as mandatory rainwater cisterns for new buildings, desalination planning, and the protection of agricultural and forest land are also emphasized.
Infrastructure and Production
The memorandum proposes maintaining the existing Industrial Zone, examining the feasibility of a new adapted Business Park, defining quarry activity zones, and exploring the possibility of new port facilities and a future airport in the Palionisos area.
Pserimos – Telendos – Islets
Future urban planning provisions are suggested for Pserimos and Telendos, along with the integration of 15 islets within the Municipality’s jurisdiction into the Local Urban Plan framework.
Proposal for Cross-Party Committee
Finally, the proposal includes the establishment of a cross-party Municipal Council committee, with the participation of representatives from all political factions and the Technical Chamber of Greece (Kalymnos branch), to monitor and support the drafting process of the Local Urban Plan.
The overarching goal, according to the memorandum, is to create a clear and functional institutional framework that will secure Kalymnos’ sustainable development for the years ahead.
MEMORANDUM
1. Out-of-Plan Building – Plot Size Requirements
▪ Maintain the 4,000 sq.m. minimum plot size for out-of-plan development.
▪ Apply it particularly in mild development zones (Skalia, Kefala of Emporios, Palionisos) and extend to adjacent areas.
Compensatory measures (alternative):
• Prohibit subdivision below 6–8 stremmas.
• Increase minimum plot size for tourist accommodations (excluding furnished villas).
2. Settlement Boundaries – Urban Planning
▪ No reduction of settlement boundaries.
▪ Alignment with Cadastre parcels and vertical ownerships.
▪ Harmonization of coastal building line (15m from shoreline).
▪ No internal zoning within settlements.
3. Architectural & Morphological Regulations
▪ Allow deviations upon approval of Architectural Council.
▪ Permit modern materials under aesthetic & technical criteria.
▪ Protection of landscape views and strict height controls.
4. Environmental Regulations – Infrastructure
• Mandatory rainwater cisterns.
• Desalination facilities.
• Peri-urban protection zone.
• Agricultural land protection.
• Forest protection.
5. Tourism – Culture – Climbing – Thermal Springs
• Mild tourism development zones.
• Special framework for thermal springs & diving park.
• Non-buildable zone for climbing fields.
• Protection of archaeological sites.
6. Industry – Quarries – Production
• Maintain Industrial Zone; consider new adapted Business Park.
• Framework for SEVESO III activities.
• Quarry zoning.
• Possible new ports & airport (Palionisos area).
7. Special Regulations
• Maintain reduced plot sizes in traditional settlements.
• Exception for small plots.
• Clarify restoration rights of roofless buildings.
8. Pserimos – Telendos – Islets
• Provision for future urban planning.
• Integration of 15 islets into the LUP with defined land uses.
9. Road Network – Accessibility
• Municipal roads.
• Legalization of existing network.
• Parking areas & cycling route.
• EV charging stations.
• Green spaces & full accessibility.
10. Sports Facilities
• Special building terms.
• New indoor basketball arena provision.
Conclusion
The above proposals aim to ensure:
• Property security
• Balanced development
• Protection of natural & cultural assets
• Sustainable tourism & production
• A clear and functional planning framework for the future of Kalymnos
