In order to be granted a building permit, you need to know how the extensive building permit process works. A building permit is an authority decision that a certain measure may be carried out in a certain place if the requirements of the Planning and Building Act are met. Building permits are usually required for new construction, additions and changes to the building's external appearance. We guide you through the building permit process step by step.
How does a building permit process work - step by step?
1. Investigate whether planning permission is needed
If you plan to start a building project, it is important that you understand the conditions of your property and clarify whether your plans require planning permission.
Start by examining your building rights and verifying whether your plans comply with the municipality's detailed plan. If there is no detailed plan, you need to determine whether your property is within or outside areas with integrated development. For unbuilt properties, you can apply for a preliminary notice to find out if it is at all possible to carry out the construction measures you are planning.
If your property is located outside areas with a detailed plan, the general plan is instead the guide. Regardless, the Planning and Building Act, the Housing Authority's building regulations and the Planning and Building Ordinance always apply.
Additional consideration should be given to any ancient remains, coastal protection areas and cultural environment areas. To get detailed information about the current rules and requirements for your specific property, it is wise to contact the building permit unit or take a look at the detailed plan. By contacting the municipality early, you can avoid future adjustments to your project and ensure a smooth construction process.
2. Find out which documents you need to submit
What building permit documents required to apply for planning permission varies depending on the type of building. To facilitate the process and for you to receive clear guidance, most municipalities have drawn up checklists for the most common types of building permit applications. The checklists give you an overview of the specific documents and documents that need to be submitted in connection with your application.
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3. Apply for a building permit
With most municipalities, it is still possible to apply via paper forms. You can either email or send them in by post. Many municipalities also allow you to hand in your documents in person, either directly at the municipal hall reception or via the municipality's mailbox. On the municipality's official website you will find information about the correct postal address.
The use of e-services is becoming increasingly common. Via digital platforms, you can submit and sign your building permit application electronically using e-identification. It is a smooth and efficient way of handling applications.
We recommend that you ask any questions about your building permit application before submitting it. We understand that the process can be overwhelming, especially if you are less experienced. By getting the right guidance in advance, you can save time and ensure that your application is right from the start.
4. The municipality handles your application
The municipality handles the distribution of building permit documents to building permit officers. This is being done urgently given the four week time limit that exists to request any additions. If your application requires additional information, the building permit unit will contact you regarding the order for completion, then the remaining documents in your application are required to consider a decision.
If you do not complete your application within the specified time frame, the committee has the right to assess the case even if certain documents are missing. Then the application may be rejected, because there is insufficient information to enable an assessment that your planned action complies with the applicable laws and regulations. It is therefore important to act quickly and efficiently if additions are requested to avoid delays in the process.
When your application is complete
When your application is complete, the building committee (BN) begins its work to evaluate whether your construction project complies with all laws and regulations. The process of processing the case and making a decision can take up to 10 weeks.
A waiting period of 10 weeks may occur if it is necessary to refer the case to other authorities or if further investigation is required to ensure that all necessary aspects are carefully considered.
Neighboring
In some building permit cases, the neighbors are considered to be the owners, which means that they must be heard by the building permit unit. The reason may be that what you plan to build may affect their view or the possibility of using their property in one way or another.
When it is necessary to consult with the neighbors, the building committee will send a letter with information about your application. The neighbors are then given the opportunity to review your drawings and are given the opportunity to provide their views on the planned action - if they wish. This step in the process aims to ensure an open dialogue and to consider any impact on the interests of neighbors before a decision is made regarding the planning permission application.
5. Decisions are made
When the Building Board (BN) has made a decision on your building permit application, you will receive a message sent to you directly. The decision is usually sent by post or in the form of a registered letter. At the same time, the decision is distributed to the parties concerned and published in the Swedish Companies Registration Office's Post- and Inrikes Tidningar. This step is of great importance for the decision to gain legal force.
The building permit unit also sends information to other parties who may be affected by what you plan to build (such as neighbors). The affected parties have approximately four weeks to appeal the decision if they believe there are grounds for it. This provides the opportunity for an open and legally secure process by giving those who may be affected by the construction project a chance to present their views before the decision becomes final.
Decisions gain legal force
When you have received your building permit decision, executed the announcement and no one has appealed against your building permit, the decision becomes legally binding. This means that the decision can no longer be appealed.
It is important to note that granted planning permission does not give you the immediate right to start your building project. Since 2018, it has not been allowed to start construction until the building permit decision has gained legal force. In addition, a start notice is always required before you can start the work. In some cases, a technical consultation may also be required, in which case a building inspector is appointed for your case to lead this consultation. It is you as the applicant or your supervisor who is responsible for contacting the municipality to book an appointment for any technical consultation. But also to ensure that all necessary permits and notices have been obtained before you start construction.
6. Technical consultation
When the building committee has granted your building permit, the committee can arrange a technical consultation. Then the building inspector, you as the client and your inspector go through the planning and organization of the work, the proposed inspection plan and other documents. Mandatory attendance only applies to the supervisor in the consultation, who is the building board's extended arm in the project to maintain compliance with the regulations.
A technical consultation can be held by the building committee if:
The measure requires a controller. The information on available inspectors can be found on the Housing Authority's website .
You, as the developer, have requested a technical consultation.
A clarification regarding the scope or execution of the project.
In some cases, representatives from staff, consultants, and other authorities and contractors may also be present at the technical consultation. The meeting aims to ensure a thorough review of all aspects in connection with the construction project and that all parties are informed and engaged in the process.
7. You will receive a start notification
In order to start the measures for which you have received planning permission, it is required that you receive a start notice from the building committee. In the start notice, the board establishes the control plan that you must follow during construction, in accordance with requirements in the Planning and Building Act.
For minor measures, where no special control officer is needed, the start notice is often given at the same time as the building permit decision. In the case of larger building permit cases, which involve technical consultation, you usually receive the start notification at or shortly after the technical consultation. In the case of a building notification only, you will receive the start notice when the building inspector has processed the case.
It is important to note that if you start work without having received a start notice, you may be liable to pay a building sanction fee. Information about building sanctions and an option to calculate the fee can be found on the Housing Authority's website . It is of the utmost importance to follow the correct procedures to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth and regular construction process.
8. Workplace visits
After your construction has started, the municipality will carry out at least one site visit. Mainly if a technical consultation has been held. During the visit, the municipality reviews various aspects, including the control plan, to ensure that the work follows the established plans.
The number of site visits is usually determined during the technical consultation and may vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
During these inspections, both the client and the inspector are present to assist and answer any questions from the municipality's representatives. The visits are part of the process to ensure compliance with the building permit decision and that the work is carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
9. Final consultation
In connection with the determination of the various measures for the construction, a final consultation is carried out. Various aspects are discussed here, including the implementation of the inspection plan, possible deviations from the building regulations, the inspection officer's statement and the conditions for obtaining a final report.
Worth mentioning is that it may sometimes be unnecessary to have a final consultation, which is then specified in the start notice. The final consultation is usually carried out at the construction site and is an important part of the closing phase to ensure that all necessary measures have been taken according to plan and that the construction project is in line with current regulations.
10. Final notice
You will be awarded a final report when you can demonstrate that all requirements have been met and that you are following the control plan.
Common questions and answers about the building permit process
Who makes decisions about building permits?
The building committee in the municipality is responsible for reviewing and making decisions regarding applications for building permits, demolition permits, land permits and advance notices.
What happens after a building permit is granted?
When you have received a written start notice, it is time to start construction. If the building permit contains a start notice, it usually appears on the first page of the decision.
When do you have to start building after planning permission?
The building permit ceases to apply if you have not started the building work within 2 years after the decision became legally binding, or if you have not completed the building work within 5 years from the same date. It is important to note that the time frames are counted from the day the decision becomes final, which is the time when it is no longer possible to appeal the decision.
It is not permitted to start construction until you have received a start notice from the building committee. This procedure ensures that construction is carried out in accordance with approved plans and complies with the necessary regulations.
When can planning permission be refused?
In Sweden, the building permit process is regulated by the Planning and Building Act (PBL). Building permits can be refused for various reasons. Here are some common reasons why planning permission may be refused:
Conflict with detailed plan or zoning regulations: If the planned building conflicts with the current detailed plan or zoning regulations for the area, building permission can be refused.
Cultural-historically valuable area: If the property or the area where construction is planned is culturally-historically valuable, and the planned construction is judged to damage this value.
Major impact on the environment: If the building is judged to have a significant negative impact on the surroundings, for example by creating shadow, visibility or affecting the landscape.
Safety aspects: If the planned construction is judged to be unsafe or risky from a safety point of view.
Environmental impact: If the construction is deemed to have a significant negative impact on the environment, for example through emissions or changes in ground conditions.
Deteriorating traffic situation: If it is judged that the construction will worsen the traffic situation in the area in an unacceptable way.
It is important to note that each application for planning permission is processed individually, and the decision is based on an overall assessment of the planned building and its impact on the surroundings. If planning permission is refused, you are normally given the opportunity to appeal the decision.
We help you get a building permit
Applying for a building permit can be a complicated and challenging process, but with Konstruktionshjälpen it will be easy. We are experts in all types of building permit drawings and can help you with the building permit application regardless of which municipality you apply in.
To make it as smooth as possible, we take care of the entire application process and make sure that all the necessary documents are in the right place. This guarantees a problem-free and smooth building permit process. For us, it is important that you share as much information as possible about your project. Help us help you with the building permit!
