Applying for a permit
Actions related to the built environment and buildings almost always require permits. It is advisable for the applicant and the head designer of the project to be in contact with building supervision early on in the planning process to find out what permits are required for the project. Through guidance and advice, the goal is to ensure that the necessary statements and assessments are done in advance, and that there would be little need to add information after submitting the permit application.
The permit requirements can be influenced by different factors, such as the scope and quality of the project and the location of the building site.
Permits
Building permit
is required e.g. for the construction of a building, significant renovation or alteration work, and for the substantial change in the purpose of use of a building or its part.
Building permit application
Action permit
is required e.g. for the construction or placement of a smaller structure or facility, for altering the facade of a building, or for changing the layout of the building.
Action permit application
Demolition permit
is required for demolishing a building within a zoning plan area, or an area that is in a building ban for the purpose of drafting a zoning plan. A permit is also required in an area covered by a master plan, if stated in the plan.
Demolition permit application
Overtime application
has to be made if the building project cannot be started or finished in specified time.
Overtime application
Landscape work permit
is needed for projects that change the landscape, cutting down trees, or other similar actions.
Landscape work permit application
Reporting procedure
For actions deemed to have little significance and impact, provisions have been made in the building regulations regarding the easing of permit requirements in different areas of the municipality.
Construction or actions deemed to have minimal significance or impact can be done without a building or action permit after submitting a notification to building supervision regarding the matter.
If it is necessary for the public interest or the legal protection of neighbors, the building supervision authority shall require the application for a building or action permit. If the authority has not required the application for a permit for the project within 14 days of receiving the notification, construction or other actions may be started.
A demolition notification must be made, even if the demolition does not require a permit.
The demolition of a building or its part must be reported in writing to the building supervision authority 30 days prior to starting the demolition work. The building supervision authority may require a permit application for justified reasons within that period.
The most common attachments required for the notification are: action notification, visual representation/photograph, and a site plan.
The notification lapses if the action has not been completed within a year.
Action notification
Demolition notification
Planning decision and derogation
Construction may also include other permit processes. Before even applying for the actual building or action permits, it may be necessary to apply for a derogation permit or a planning decision. These become relevant e.g. when one wants to deviate from the zoning regulations or build in an area without a legally binding plan. Derogating from the waterfront planning also requires a derogation permit.
Planning decision
Derogation application
Maps, neighbor reports and other materials needed for the permit can be ordered from the online service.