Applying for a permit
The building permit, action permit and action notification have been replaced by a single type of permit, the building permit. The other types of permit are landscape work permit, derogation permit, demolition permit and demolition notification.
Permit requirements for new construction
A building permit is required for:
– residential or leisure residential building, regardless of its size
– building of at least 30 m² (not residential or leisure)
– canopy of at least 50 m² (separate, e.g. carport)
– public structure that can be used by at least five people at the same time, except for an event structure that can be kept in place for up to three months (e.g. (e.g. grandstand, stage)
– mast or chimney at least 30 m high
– illuminated advertising device of at least 2 m²
– energy well
– area built for a specific activity which has an impact on the use of the surrounding areas (e.g. sports ground, storage or parking area)
– fixed structures such as floating buildings
– extension
A permit is also required if
– the construction requires regulatory control to ensure compliance with essential technical requirements and is in the public interest
– the construction has a more than minor impact on the use of land, townscape, landscape, cultural heritage or environmental aspects
Licensing in renovation
Repair and alteration work is subject to authorisation in the case of:
– repair or alteration work to a listed building of historical or architectural interest which has a significant impact on its value
– repair or alteration work to the building envelope (walls, ceilings, foundations, windows, doors) or technical systems, affecting the energy efficiency or the energy and environmental impact of the building
– substantial change of use of the building or part of it
– construction comparable to new construction
– extension or increase in floor area of the building
– elimination of an identified health hazard
– damaged load-bearing structure
– repair work likely to compromise health and safety
– significant impact on the townscape, landscape or cultural heritage
– repair work affecting the essential characteristics of the building
– protected building
Construction exempted from permit application
Construction must always comply with all building regulations and the law, but construction does not always require a permit.
Submission and processing of an application for a permit
It is advisable to arrange a planning meeting with the building control authorities as early as possible, even before submitting the application for a permit.
Permits can be applied for using the Building Control’s online planning service or by filling in paper forms.
The permit application is initiated once the main drawings and other annexes to the application have been submitted. The application for a permit must include the names of the responsible persons, and in the case of a building permit, at least the main designer and the building designer. The person dealing with the application will seek the necessary opinions and, if necessary, consult the neighbours. It is also possible for the applicant to consult the neighbours.
Types of permits
Building permit
The building permit is accompanied by the main drawings and the necessary annexes. The following new documents will be submitted:
– from 1.1.2025: demolition materials and construction waste report
– from 1.1.2026: climate report and list of construction products
The main drawings must comply with the building regulations and the plan and comply with the regulations of the Ministry of the Environment.
When applying for planning permission, the conditions for siting in the planning application area are decided and no separate planning permission is required. In exceptional cases, a two-stage permit application can be made: first a siting permit and then an implementation permit.
A temporary and temporary building permit becomes a temporary permit valid for 10 years.
A construction permit is required whenever a protected building is repaired or altered.
A minor derogation can be granted with a building permit. Exempted construction that deviates from the regulations requires a separate variance permit. In a zoning district, clean transition siting and variance permits are issued by zoning.
Application for a building permit
Landscape work permit
A landscape permit is required for earthworks, felling of trees or other similar activities that alter the landscape.
Application for a landscape permit
Derogation permit and planning need area
A derogation permit is required when a building plan deviates from the plan or other regulations. Permission is also required for coastal areas where there is no town plan or master plan. Changing the use of a building may require a derogation.
In the case of a derogation, neighbours and those whose living, working or other conditions may be affected by the construction project must be consulted.
Minor derogation
A minor derogation, such as a slight increase in building area or a change in roof shape, may be granted with a building permit. The derogation must not compromise the essential requirements of the building. A minor derogation may also be granted before the final inspection.
Planning zones
In planning zones, a building permit covering both siting and implementation conditions is sufficient. A separate planning permission is not required. In exceptional cases, a two-stage application for a building permit (siting permit and implementation permit) is possible.
Application for planning permission and derogation
Demolition permit
For demolition only, apply for a demolition permit:
– when demolishing a building or part of a building of minor importance located in a zoning district.
– demolition of a building or part of a building in an area where there is no zoning plan in force, but where the area is prohibited for the purpose of drawing up a zoning plan.
– if, outside the above-mentioned areas, the general plan stipulates that the demolition of a building requires a permit.
Regardless of the zoning situation, demolition of a building always requires a permit if the building is protected, has been designated as being of historical or architectural value, or is part of a protected area or an area or complex of historical or architectural value.
Demolition permit application
Notification of demolition
For minor buildings, a demolition notification must be submitted to:
– if the demolition is of a domestic building or other minor building or structure in a zoning district.
– in the case of the demolition of a building or structure in an area without a land-use plan.
– if the building control authority has advised the demolition of the building, for example because the building does not have a building permit or because the building has been destroyed by fire and can no longer be considered a building.
– if the building to be demolished has a permanent building identification number.
A demolition notice must be given at least 30 days before the demolition work starts.
Demolition notification
Decision on authorisation, start of construction and post-construction supervision
After the decision is issued, an appeal period begins, during which the applicant, the neighbour and other parties and authorities specified by law may lodge a complaint or appeal against the decision.
The museum authority and the ELY have the right of appeal in the case of important protected sites, but the right of appeal against a demolition permit by a member of the community or municipality is abolished.
Decisions on permits become final after a 30-day appeal period. Construction work can only start once the permit has become final. The person starting the construction project may apply for the right to start work before the permit becomes final. The right to start work is subject to the lodging of a security.
A positive decision may be subject to conditions, such as the demolition of the building or the use of certain materials. The decision may also include requirements, such as the approval of a foreman before work can begin.
See also
Construction forms and instructions
Planning and land use
Maps and geography
