Permit description
You will need a building permit when constructing a new building, expanding an existing building, or under-taking a major renovation project.
Who is the service intended for?
You need a building permit for
- constructing a building
- carrying out repairs or alterations comparable to constructing a building
- expanding an existing building
- adding to the floor area of a building
- work that affects the health or safety of building users
- changing the intended use of a building or part of a building
- repairs and modifications to the building envelope or technical systems that significantly affect the building’s energy performance.
Instructions for use
- Contact the Building Control authorities or permit advisers to see if you need a building permit be-fore applying for one.
- Apply for the building permit in the Urban Environment e-services.
Ask for more details and instructions on building permits and the application process from the Building Control permit advisory service.
When the situation is unclear, the city determines whether a permit is required on a case-by-case basis. Please note that even if the intended measure does not require a building permit, it may still require a de-viation permit.
What does the service cost?
The building permit fee is based on the type of construction project and the square metres to be built. You can find the prices in the Building Control fee schedule.
Background information about the service
A building permit or other official approval is required for nearly all construction work. A building permit or an action permit is also required for extending a building or for substantial repair and alteration work or for work aimed at altering the intended use of a building. A minor construction project may only require an action permit or a notification to the municipal building supervisory authority. Provisions on these matters are contained in the Land Use and Building Act. A municipality may also, in its building code, determine which measures require a building permit and an action permit.
In addition to provisions on the permits and the preconditions for granting a permit, the Land Use and Building Act also contains provisions on the documents used in permit applications, designers’ competence requirements, the construction work and the persons responsible for the construction project.