The Ministry of the Interior announced today that a Ministerial Decree enabling the fast-track issuance of building permits for low-risk developments of up to two housing units (Category A) has come into effect as of yesterday. The measure aims to alleviate the workload of District Administrative Authorities (EOA) by processing approximately 5,000 pending building permit applications submitted before 1 July 2024, all of which have already secured planning permits.
The Ministry’s statement explains that under the decree, the developers of these projects can complete a specific Checklist for Responsible Declaration (checklist) and submit it to the relevant District Administrative Authority. The authority is required to review and either approve or reject the application within two working days.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, this measure serves as a transitional stage under the new development licensing system, pending the full implementation of the updated process for assessing and issuing building permits for low-risk developments.
“The aim is to reduce the backlog of approximately 5,000 building permit applications for Category A projects submitted before 1 July 2024, which have already obtained planning permits,” the statement reads.
The Ministry also highlights that the reform of the development licensing system introduces fast and automated procedures for reviewing planning and building applications. This includes the concept of self-assessment, where developers assume responsibility for the accuracy of their applications.
In the initial phase, starting 2 October 2024, the new system will apply to the issuance of planning permits for single-family and two-family houses, with building permits scheduled to follow by late January 2025.
Under the new practice, necessary permits for low-risk developments will be issued within a total of 40 working days, significantly reducing delays and accelerating the start of construction work.
The Ministry further noted that the implementation of the plan will be completed in March, with the fast-track process being extended to medium-risk developments, including four-story apartment buildings with up to 20 units and rows of up to 12 houses (Category B). Applications for Category B projects will follow a similar procedure, with developers submitting a dedicated checklist, and permits being issued within a total of 80 working days, facilitating further development.
A key innovation in the reform is the introduction of the Building Inspector system, transferring on-site inspections to construction sites at three stages of building progress. This aims to detect and prevent potential irregularities in construction at an early stage.
Also read: Project managers draw closer for major developments
Source: Economy today
