Building Regulations to Be Updated in Rauma – Not All Projects Will Require a Permit in the Future
News
The City of Rauma’s building regulations are being updated. The aim of the reform is to make everyday construction easier and to update the regulations to better reflect current needs and local conditions. The current building regulations date back to 2009, and the update is also based on the new Construction Act, which entered into force on 1 January 2025.
Building regulations are a local set of rules that define how and under what conditions construction is permitted in different parts of the city. The regulations may vary between areas within the municipality. Building regulations are applied when matters are not regulated in more detail in a detailed plan, a local master plan, or national building regulations.
The Construction Act Eases Permit Practices
Under the new Construction Act, some smaller construction projects are no longer subject to permit requirements. In addition, municipalities may define in their building regulations which minor measures do not require a permit.
In the draft building regulations for Rauma, it is proposed that in certain areas a permit would no longer be required, for example, for:
- constructing a pier or a fence
- changing the colour of a building’s facade or roof
- installing an air-source heat pump or a solar power system
Outside detailed plan areas, a permit would also no longer be required up to a certain size for, among other things, the construction of greenhouses, silos and storage tanks.
In culturally and historically significant or protected areas, construction is subject to stricter rules, and measures may still require a permit or special consideration.
Responsibility for Construction Remains
Even when a permit is not required, all construction must comply with valid zoning regulations, possible building guidelines and other applicable construction legislation. It remains the responsibility of the builder to ensure that all requirements are met.
How Does the Preparation Process Continue?
The draft building regulations were available for public review from 19 March to 20 April 2026, during which residents and other stakeholders were able to submit feedback. Based on the opinions and statements received, the building regulations are currently being revised for the proposal phase.
Next, the proposed building regulations will be made publicly available for review during June. At that time, residents and other stakeholders will again have the opportunity to express their views and submit a written objection before the final decision is made.
For the time being, the draft materials can be viewed on the City of Rauma’s Building Supervision website (in Finnish).
Questions regarding the reform of the building regulations may be directed to Building Supervision already before the proposal phase. Please see the contact details on the Building Supervision webpage.
