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The content concerns Finnish legislation.
 

Building Permit

According to the Land Use and Building Act, a building permit is required for the construction of a building. A building permit is also required for repair and alteration work which is comparable to constructing a building, and for extending a building or increasing its gross floor area. A building permit is also required when substantially altering the intended use of a building or part thereof.

Building permits shall be applied for in writing. Applications shall include proof that the applicant is the titleholder of the building site, and the master drawings signed by the designer. If necessary, the applicant may be required to provide additional information needed to decide on the application.

Neighbors shall be notified when an application for a building permit is submitted, unless notification is clearly not necessary with regard to the neighbors' interest, due to the smallness or location of the project, or to the contents of the plan.

In areas covered by a local detailed plan, a building permit is granted under the following conditions:

  1. the building project is in keeping with the valid local detailed plan;

  2. construction meets the requirements laid down in section 117 and other requirements prescribed in or under this Act;

  3. the building is appropriate for the location concerned;

  4. a serviceable access road to the building site exists or can be arranged;

  5. water supply and waste water management can be organized satisfactorily and without causing environmental harm; and

  6. the building will not be located or constructed in a way that causes unwarranted harm to neighbors or hinders appropriate building on a neighboring property.

The requirements concerning building comprise of for example a requirement that the building is appropriate for the constructed environment and landscape and it meets the requirements of beauty and symmetry. In addition, the building must meet its technical requirements when it comes to for example strength of the structure and heat insulation.

In the Land Use and Building Act, there are also certain additional requirements for granting a building permit for areas outside a local detailed plan.