Construction procedures should be easier

If you are planning to build a small building up to 50m² in the near future, most constructions should only be subject to the notification obligation. However, these are mainly buildings that will be built on private land. Until now, a building permit was required for these small buildings, and notification was only possible for buildings up to a maximum of 25m². So if you are planning to build a garage or a garden cottage, the administrative burden for you will be reduced to almost a minimum.

According to the new Construction Act, duplication of statements by the relevant authorities should also be eliminated, as the zoning and construction procedures are merged. After the new act, this process will be called the combined construction plan procedure, which will simplify and shorten the entire approval process. The total duration of the combined construction process procedure should last a maximum of 30 days.

Illegal buildings will be a thing of the past

For buildings that were built illegally, an additional process will be introduced, during which they should be officially legalized and approved. During the specified period, the owner will have to take the necessary steps to legalize the building, otherwise the building may be removed. If illegal buildings are in long-term use without problems even without approval, they should receive official permission without problems after meeting the specified conditions. The building authority can then issue a decision on the suitability of the building for its use, which has the same weight as the approval decision.

On the other hand, sanctions are increasing for illegal buildings that will be implemented, which should discourage builders from violating building regulations.

Simple buildings have a new definition

Small buildings and building modifications that are located more than two meters from a neighboring plot will not need to be reported to the relevant municipal or building authority. This will significantly simplify the entire construction or reconstruction process. Larger and simpler structures will continue to be subject to assessment at the building office, but as mentioned above, the integration of the zoning and construction procedures will speed up the entire process, as the assessment takes place through the construction plan procedure.

If you are planning to build or reconstruct on your land in the near future and do not know how to proceed and what your obligations are, contact a real estate expert who will be able to advise you on your specific situation.

Source: Ing. Rudolf Moravčík, RSc.