Construction management

World Heritage values to be recognised

Measures affecting the built environment and buildings are almost always subject to authorisation. In Old Rauma, the World Heritage value of the site must also be taken into account. When planning construction and alterations in Old Rauma, it is advisable to contact the authorities in good time. The management of construction work in Old Rauma and matters relating to the management of the World Heritage site and World Heritage grants are handled by a number of different bodies working together.

Due to the special nature of Old Rauma, the area is subject to stricter control and supervision than normal. Almost all alterations in Old Rauma require a permit. Even those measures that do not necessarily require a permit but are relevant will be discussed, if necessary, either with the special body for Old Rauma or with the architect providing the design guidance.

The Old Rauma Special Body guides the implementation of the objectives

The implementation of the objectives set for the construction of the area is guided by the Special body for Old Rauma, which consists of representatives appointed by the City Government and experts from the Finnish Heritage Agency and the City of Rauma.

Special body is required to be heard on construction projects in Old Rauma before the permit is issued. The architect in charge of the design of Old Rauma prepares the opinions of the special body for measures requiring a permit, which takes a position on the project under consideration and submits its opinion to the building control authority. If the special body is not unanimous, a separate opinion must be sought from the Finnish Heritage Agency

The building inspection decides on permits

The architect providing the design guidance should be contacted about the measures from the very beginning of the design phase. In addition, the city will provide advice on the implementation of the measures. When the project involves the restoration of an old building to an identical one without any changes, guidance is available from the architect providing the renovation advice. For technical advice, advice can be obtained from the building inspectorate.

All permit applications (building permit, action permit, notification of action, deviation permit) are submitted to the City of Rauma Building Control, which also provides general advice on permit matters. It is necessary to contact the building control department well in advance of the planning stage to ascertain which permits are required for the measures.

Building ban

A limited ban on building in the Old Rauma area for the purpose of changing the town plan entered into force on 13 July 2016. The ban is valid for two years at a time and can be extended if necessary due to the pending revision of the town plan.

The building ban is limited to:

• new constructions
• the demolition of buildings or parts of buildings
• extension of buildings
• façade modifications above a minor level
• changes of use

Permission to derogate

During the construction ban, projects affected by the ban must apply for a permit for a derogation. For these projects, you should contact the architect preparing the derogation in good time. The application for a derogation is submitted to the building control department. Opinions on the application will be sought from the ELY Centre and the Finnish Heritage Agency. The planning department of the Rauma City Council will decide on the derogation.

The derogation permit only deals with matters relevant to the plan, so it does not eliminate the need to apply for a building permit and have the matter dealt with by the special body in Old Rauma. Therefore, once the derogation has been granted, it may still be necessary to adjust the details of the plan before the actual building permit can be granted.

All permit applications (building permit, action permit, notification of action, deviation permit) are submitted to the City of Rauma Building Control, which also provides general advice on permit matters. It is necessary to contact the building control department well in advance of the planning stage to ascertain which permits are required for the measures.