Protected buildings: what you can and cannot do as a stucco worker

Much of the stucco work takes place in protected and heritage buildings such as churches, castles and old villas. Therefore, it is important that you know the overall rules that apply before you touch anything — even when the task seems simple.

Under the Listed Buildings Act, it is the Castle and Culture Agency (SLKS) that administers the rules for listed buildings in Denmark. It is the SLKS that must grant permission when a listed building is to be altered, restored or maintained beyond what is considered ordinary maintenance.

As an owner or builder you have a duty to maintain a protected building in good condition. But in connection with any renovation restoration or maintenance beyond ordinary maintenance you must apply for and obtain permission from SLKS before work begins. This includes among other things changes to colours surfaces materials and the building's scope.

For buildings covered by section 7a of the Building Heritage Protection Act the primary preservation values lie in the exterior and main structure while there are limited preservation values indoors. For this type of building certain types of internal conversions can take place without permission from SLKS while changes to the exterior or main structure still always require permission.

You should always ensure that you have the necessary permission before you replace, remove, or alter original stucco details in a protected building. If in doubt, it is the building owner's or the responsible consultant's task to clarify this with SLKS — but it is your task not to guess if the papers are missing.

• 01Document the original state with a photo before work starts
• 02Use the same type of material as the original unless otherwise agreed
• 03Save any cut original pieces if they are to be used as reference later
• 04Always ask if you are in doubt about whether a permit covers what you are about to do

“A protected building does not belong only to the owner — it is part of our shared cultural heritage and rules must ensure it is preserved for future generations.”