A building permit is the authorisation required for a building to be constructed legally. Work carried out without a permit creates both legal risk and problems that are difficult to fix later.

How the process starts

The permit process starts once the zoning status of the plot is clear. A project prepared without knowing the building conditions may have to be reworked from scratch at the application stage. That is why the first step is always to obtain and review the zoning status certificate.

Preparing the projects

In addition to the architectural project, the application also requires projects prepared by other engineering disciplines. It is important that these projects are consistent with each other; files prepared without coordination come back with revision requests at the application stage.

Documents

In general, documents such as the title deed, zoning status certificate, site plan (application sketch) and soil survey are required. However, the list of documents and the form of application may vary by municipality. Document preparation should therefore begin after confirming the current practice of the authority where the application will be made.

Application and review

Once submitted to the relevant authority, the file is reviewed. It is normal to receive revision requests as a result of the review; this does not mean the process is going wrong. The file is finalised once the requests are addressed.

Why the duration varies

How long the permit process takes depends on the size of the building, the agency opinions required, the completeness of the file and the workload of the authority. Because of these variables, it would not be right to give a single duration for every project; the timeline is planned according to the project's own conditions.

The most common mistake

The most common situation is starting work on site before the permit process is complete. This has legal consequences and, if a revision to the project is required, leads to work already done having to be undone.