When building a woodshed, greenhouse, arbor, or even a small garden house, many people wonder whether such a structure requires a building permit. The laws in force in Lithuania clearly regulate which structures are considered simple and when a permit is required for their construction. On November 1, 2024, some changes came into force that make things easier for builders, but at the same time, it remains important to know exactly what you are planning to build and where.
What is considered a simple structure?
According to the provisions of the Construction Law and STR 1.01.03:2017 “Classification of Structures and Premises,” simple structures are divided into I and II groups. The difference between them determines whether a building permit is required, depending on the situation.
Group I simple structures
These are smaller structures with limited technical parameters. For example:
- Height – up to 5 m;
- Total area – up to 50 m²;
- Not suitable for human habitation.
This group usually includes:
- Auxiliary farm buildings (e.g., woodsheds, sheds);
- Garden houses (up to 5 m high and up to 50 m² in area);
- Greenhouses (up to 5 m high and up to 80 m² in area);
- Other simple, uncomplicated structures.
Group II simple structures
These are slightly larger, more complex structures:
- Height may reach up to 8.5 m;
- Total area – up to 80 m².
Additional requirements may often apply to such structures, and the need for a permit is assessed based on the territory and the purpose of the structure.
“It is not only the size of the structure that is important, but also its location, purpose, and whether you plan to have people staying there for longer periods of time. This affects the need for a permit,” says Raimundas Ramanauskas, a specialist at the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate (VTPSI).
When is a building permit not required?
Although a building permit is often associated with complex projects and a long approval process, in some cases it is not even required when constructing a building. However, this only applies in clearly defined cases specified in legislation and in the explanations provided by the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate (VTPSI).
Group I simple structures
From November 1, 2024, with the entry into force of amendments to STR 1.01.03:2017, a building permit is not required if:
- the structure is classified as Group I simple;
- it is being built in a non-urbanized area;
- the structure is not being built in a cultural heritage or protected area;
- no connection to engineering networks (e.g., electricity, water) is required.
This means that a woodshed, a garden shed or a greenhouse with an area of up to 50 m² built in a non-urbanized area may be built without a permit. However, the minimum distances from the plot boundaries and other technical regulations must be observed.
For more details: VTPSI explanation of structures that do not require a permit
Urbanized area and Group II
Even if the structure is simple, a building permit may be required if:
- the plot is located in an urbanized area (e.g., in a garden community or residential neighborhood);
- the structure is classified as Group II simple (up to 80 m² and 8.5 m high);
- the structure is being built in a cultural heritage or other protected area.
“It is advisable to contact the municipal administration or the local VTPSI branch to find out whether a permit is required, as the situation may vary depending on the detailed planning documents,” says Vilija Jankauskienė, VTPSI consultant.
When is a permit required even for a simple structure?
Although some simple structures do not require a permit, there are clearly defined cases when a building permit is mandatory even for simple structures in groups I and II. This is determined not only by the size of the structure, but also by its location, intended use, and the status of the territory planning.
When is a permit required in an urbanized area?
If a simple structure is planned to be built in an urbanized area—for example, in a garden community, residential area, or area subject to detailed or special plans—a building permit is mandatory. Even Group I structures, such as woodsheds or storage sheds, may require a permit if they do not comply with the regulations for a specific area or the planned building density.
When is a building permit required in protected areas?
A permit is required in all cases when constructing even a small, simple structure in a protected area, such as a regional park, nature reserve, or cultural heritage protection zone. Such construction must also be coordinated with the authorities responsible for the protection of the area: the Department of Cultural Heritage, the National Service for Protected Areas, or the municipality.
When does the purpose of a structure determine the need for a permit?
Even for a simple structure, a permit is required if the building will be used for long-term human habitation, connected to utilities (water, electricity, sewerage), or adapted for commercial use. For example, a small garden house, if it is intended for living or short-term rental, must be designed and built only with a permit.
How to check if your building requires a permit?
Before starting any construction work, it is necessary to clearly assess whether a building permit is required for the specific building. There are several ways to resolve this issue, but the most important thing is to rely on official sources and accurate information about the territory and the building.
Where can I get information?
First, we recommend contacting the architecture or construction department of your local municipality. They can clarify which land-use planning documents apply to a specific plot of land, whether it is located in an urbanized area, and whether special requirements for protected areas apply.
It is also important to check the information on the website of the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate (VTPSI). It periodically updates explanations on which buildings and in which situations a permit is not required. It is particularly useful to familiarize yourself with the changes that came into force on November 1, 2024.
Electronic means
The most convenient way to get an answer is to use electronic service platforms such as:
- Infostatyba (www.planuojustatau.lt) – here you can not only check whether a permit is required, but also submit applications and monitor the progress of the approval process;
- The Register Center’s map system – allows you to assess the purpose of a plot of land, detailed plans, and planning boundaries.
Examples by type of structure
To make it easier to understand when a permit is required and when it is not, it is worth considering the most common types of structures. Although all of these structures can be classified as simple, the need for a permit depends on several factors, such as location, size, purpose, etc.
Greenhouse
If a greenhouse with an area of up to 80 m² is built in a non-urbanized area and is not intended for commercial use, no permit is required. However, if it is built in a garden community or connected to utilities, a permit may be required.
Arbor or woodshed
If their height does not exceed 5 meters and their area is up to 50 m², and they are built in a non-urbanized area, a permit is usually not required. However, if they are built close to a neighbor’s plot or in a protected area, additional coordination or a permit is required.
Garden house
This is one of the most complex types of simple structures. Although garden houses up to 80 m² can be considered simple structures in Group II, if they are intended for permanent residence, equipped with electricity or water systems, or if the plot is urbanized, a permit is required.
Shed or garage
Auxiliary farm buildings, such as sheds or garages, may be built without a permit only if they meet the requirements for Group I simple structures and are not built in areas subject to stricter planning or protection requirements.
What to do if a permit is required?
If you have determined that your planned simple structure does require a building permit, you will need to prepare for a specific procedure. Although this may seem like a bureaucratic process, taking the right steps will ensure that your construction is legal and will not cause legal problems in the future.
Project preparation
First, you need to prepare a simplified building design. This must be done by a qualified designer—an architect or engineer who is licensed to work in accordance with building regulations. Even if the project is very simple, it must include essential drawings, distances from the property boundaries, building parameters, and planned engineering solutions (if any).
Coordination and neighbor consent
If the building is designed closer than 3 meters to the boundary of a neighboring plot, written consent from the neighbor is often required. This applies even to simple structures. Such consent becomes mandatory if the standard distance limits are violated or if the planned windows, balconies, or other open structures face the neighboring plot.
Obtaining a permit through the Infostatyba system
Once the project has been completed and all the necessary documents have been collected, the permit application can be submitted electronically through the Infostatyba system. Here you can also monitor the progress of the approval process, submit additional documents, and view decisions. Normally, it takes up to 20 working days to issue a permit, provided there are no significant deficiencies or contentious issues.
“Even in the case of a simple structure, all procedures must be followed precisely – this not only protects your property, but also prevents conflicts with neighbors or the inspection authorities.” – Saulius Lukoševičius, construction lawyer
Need help?
The building permit system in Lithuania can seem confusing even to experienced builders, especially when it comes to simple structures, where the need for permits depends on many nuances: location, type of structure, site plan, or even the distance to neighboring properties. If you misjudge the situation or fail to comply with legal requirements, you may not only face sanctions from the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate (VTPSI), but also be required to demolish the building.
If you need help assessing whether your planned building requires a permit, how to properly prepare the documentation, or how to avoid costly mistakes, the stav.lt team is ready to help. We advise both individual builders and contractors, prepare projects, coordinate the coordination process with institutions, and help ensure that your construction is smooth and legal.