Is a building permit necessary if I want to change windows, demolish the garage, build a shed, or perhaps a patio? Yes, sometimes this building permit thing can feel a bit messy. We clarify how and when a building permit is needed.
So, when is planning permission required?
A building permit is usually needed when you have to carry out some kind of change that is visible from the outside, such as e.g. a new building, extension or any type of business change. Planning permission may also be required to install a plank or wall (exceeding 0.5 metres). Sometimes a notification is required - even if a building permit is not required. Then the focus is on the technical requirements for the notification in question.
To find out when a building permit is needed for your upcoming construction, you need to contact your municipality. However, if you want to get an idea of what probably applies in your case, we will now go through some of the most common situations when a building permit is needed - or not.
1. New construction and extensions usually require a building permit
Carrying out a new build or extension usually involves an application for planning permission. An extension means increasing the volume of an existing structure by extending it in different directions. It can be up, down or sideways.
Even structures without walls, such as larger roofs or carports, require planning permission. Certain objects that may not at first glance be considered a building are nevertheless classified as such and therefore require planning permission. It can be houseboats and caravans that are permanently placed in the same place for an extended period of time.
Moving a building to another location is considered demolition at the original location and new construction at the new location. Therefore, both a demolition permit and a building permit are required for this purpose.
2. External or internal changes to a building
If the building is located within an area with a detailed plan, planning permission is required to implement changes in the appearance of the building. This could be, for example, changing the color of the facade, changing the facade cladding or changing the material on the roof.
Changes in room layout or other internal changes, such as laying a new floor or removing false ceilings, do not require planning permission. However, you must submit a notification to the building board if you plan to make significant changes to the building's layout. This also applies if load-bearing parts are affected or if extensive changes in water and sewage pipes are planned.
All changes should be carried out with consideration to preserve the character of the building. This applies to both external and internal modifications, regardless of whether planning permission is required or not. This does not mean that changes are prohibited. However, you need to take into account the specific characteristics of the building. As a developer, you are responsible for ensuring that these requirements are complied with.
Buildings with particularly valuable history or with an environmental or cultural significance must not be defaced. This also applies to buildings that are part of areas with increased protection - regardless of whether a building permit is required or not.
3. New use of a building
Yes, when is a building permit actually required for new use of a building. To convert a building into a new residence or premises for, for example, commerce, crafts or industry, a building permit is required. In addition, planning permission is required if the building is to be used for a completely different purpose than before. This applies even if the building itself remains unchanged, as well as if you only use a part of the building in a completely new way.
Construct, relocate or alter certain facilities
In order to arrange, establish, build, move or significantly change certain facilities, a building permit is required. This applies, among other things:
Walls and planks.
Warehouses or material yards – for example, the permanent parking of vehicles, the storage of boats, the handling of building materials on a significant scale or the placing of containers in one place (unless it is temporary).
Fixed cisterns or equivalent for storing products hazardous to health and the environment as well as flammable materials (unless it applies to a smaller facility that is solely intended for the needs of the own property).
Sports fields, marinas, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and some wind turbines.
Radio and telemasters and towers. Exceptions are smaller structures that are only intended for the needs of the property itself, for example a satellite dish.
Time-limited building permit for certain measures
Under specific conditions, a time-limited building permit can be obtained for a measure, provided that the measure only partially fulfills the requirements for a full building permit. You should include a request for time-limited planning permission in your planning permission application. During the examination, the building committee assesses whether what you plan to build is suitable for the location and whether the measure can be considered temporary. A time-limited building permit is valid for a maximum of 10 years, but can be extended. The total period of validity may not exceed 15 years.
The municipality can reduce or increase the building permit obligation
The municipality has the authority to make decisions about a changed building permit obligation. This is detailed in the detailed plan or zoning regulations for the specific area. Reduced building permit obligation means that measures that normally require a building permit do not need it.
On the other hand, extended building permit obligations mean that a building permit becomes necessary for measures that do not normally require it. To get clarity regarding the rules for your specific property, you should contact the building board in your municipality. Information about any reduced or increased building permit obligation may vary depending on the local planning authority.
How much can you build without a building permit?
For one- and two-dwelling houses, there are certain exceptions regarding the building permit requirement. You have the authority to build a patio, a canopy, shed, extension, outbuildings, walls and planks without applying for a building permit. In addition, it is permitted to carry out facade changes and build two dormers without a building permit requirement.
However, you need to make a report to the building board and wait for a start notice. This applies if you plan to build a so-called detached house or an area of no more than 30.0 m², an extension with an area of no more than 15.0 m², or if you intend to furnish an additional residence in a single-family house.
When is a building permit not required?
If your building does not fall under specific regulation, planning permission is not required for the following:
Patio
Within a distance of 3.6 meters from the residential building, you have the option, without planning permission, to create a protected patio with a wall or a plank. The height of the wall or plank must not exceed 1.8 meters.
Screen roof
You have the option of installing awnings over patios, balconies, balconies or entrances without having to apply for planning permission - provided that the total area of the awning does not exceed 15.0 m².
Friggebod
In immediate connection to the residential building, you have permission to erect one or more independent additional buildings, so-called outbuildings, without planning permission.
Facade changes
Painting, changing facade cladding or changing roofing material can be carried out without a building permit. It is important not to make changes that significantly change the character of the building or area, as this may require planning permission.
When you don't need a building permit but must register
Attefall House
In close proximity to the residential building, you have the option of erecting a detached house, without planning permission. Before construction starts, you must submit a notification to the building committee and receive a start notice.
Extension no more than 15m²
Owners of one- and two-dwelling houses have the opportunity to carry out an extension with a gross area of no more than 15.0 m² without having to apply for a building permit. The extension must stay within the ridge height of the existing residential building. Before starting construction, however, a notification to the building committee and a start notice are required. If the extension is placed closer than 4.5 meters to the border, the neighbors' consent is required. Within coastal protection areas, usually 100 meters from the sea, lake and waterways, a permit may also be required according to the Environmental Code.
Roof domes
The owner of a one- or two-dwelling house has the right to build up to two dormers. If a roof dome already exists, it is permitted to add another dome. The roof domes must not exceed half the length of the roof fall, and must not affect the supporting structure of the house. Before construction starts, a notification to the building committee or a start notice is required.
Furnish another home
The owner of a single-family house has the option of furnishing an additional residence without applying for a building permit. For this to be permitted, no external changes must be made to the building. Before the work begins, a notification to the building committee and a start notice are required.
Common questions and answers
When is a building permit required for a balcony?
A building permit is required for a balcony if it meets one of the following criteria:
The balcony is permanent and has a height of more than 0.6 meters above ground level.
The balcony is placed closer to the plot boundary than 4.5 metres.
The balcony is part of an area with a detailed plan where there are regulations on building permits for balconies.
The balcony is part of a protected area, for example near the coast or by a lake, where special regulations on building permits apply to protect nature and the landscape.
If the balcony does not fall under any of these criteria, it can usually be built without planning permission. However, it is always best to consult with the local building board to get accurate information about the current rules and regulations in the specific area.
Can you build storage without planning permission?
In order to build a detached storage room, you usually need to apply for planning permission. However, depending on the size and if there are other smaller buildings on the plot, the storage can be classified as a measure under the "Attefall Act". This only requires a notification for planning permission. If the storage is built as a freeing shed, neither a building permit nor a notification is needed.
The following criteria should be met:
The property is located outside a detailed planned area and outside a cohesive development.
The storage room must not dominate the main building.
The warehouse must be self-contained.
The location of the storage room must be close to the one- or two-family house.
The balcony must be placed at least 4.5 meters from the plot boundary. It can be placed closer if the neighbor agrees.
A building permit is not required according to area regulations that apply to the area.
Do you need planning permission to build a carport?
In most cases, a building permit is required to build a carport. As the carport is considered a building, it is subject to building permit regulations. The building permit requirement covers most types of buildings, and a carport falls within this set of regulations.
What happens if you build without a building permit?
Carrying out a construction project without the necessary building permit can result in various penalties. The building board can demand that the illegally completed building be restored and further work prohibited. You may also receive a possible penalty fee. In serious violations, an illegal building can be classified as a crime, which can lead to a police report and legal penalties.
To avoid these consequences, it is best to carefully follow the applicable building regulations and to apply for a building permit in advance. If a mistake has been made, there may be the possibility of a retroactive application for planning permission. However, there is no guarantee that it will be granted and may result in a penalty fee. We recommend that you always check with your local building board to follow the specific regulations and avoid legal issues.
We help you with the building permit
Applying for a building permit can be a complicated and challenging process, but with Konstruktionshjälpen it becomes easier. We are experts in all types of building permit drawings and can help you with your building permit application, regardless of which municipality you apply in. If you are unsure when a building permit is needed and which rules apply to specific construction, we can help you with that as well.
We take care of the entire application process to make it as smooth as possible for you. We ensure that all necessary documents are correctly filled out and placed, ensuring a hassle-free and smooth experience building permit process . For us, it is important that you share as much information as possible about your project. Help us help you with your building permit!
