The construction process in Lithuania is regulated not only by permits and design requirements, but also by fundamental criteria known as essential requirements for buildings. These requirements define the quality, safety, and environmental impact that every building must have, from a small shed to an apartment building or public building.
What are essential building requirements?
Essential requirements for construction are mandatory criteria that every building must meet in order to be safe, fit for use, and in line with the interests of society, the environment, and human health. These requirements are laid down in Article 6 of the Construction Law.
In other words, even if a building formally has a building permit but does not meet at least one essential requirement, it cannot be recognized as fit for use.
Essential requirements apply to:
- all newly constructed buildings;
- objects undergoing reconstruction or major repairs;
- in some cases, existing structures if they pose a threat to human safety or the environment.
“Essential requirements are not additional bureaucratic steps, but the very core of construction quality.” – Jonas Baltrušaitis, construction technical supervision specialist
Legal basis and hierarchy of documents
Essential requirements for buildings are not recommendations, but legally binding criteria that every building must meet. Their establishment and application in Lithuania is based on the hierarchy of legal acts in force, in which the Construction Law and accompanying technical regulations for construction (STR) play a key role.
The main legal source is the Construction Law
The essential requirements are defined in detail in Article 6 of the Construction Law, which regulates what both designers and builders must ensure. These requirements cover the safety, suitability for use, environmental impact, and other vital aspects of a building.
The provisions of the Act apply to both new buildings and buildings undergoing reconstruction or major renovation.
How are the essential requirements implemented?
The essential requirements for buildings listed in the Construction Act are applied in practice through specific technical regulations for construction (STR).
These documents define in detail how to design and construct buildings so that they meet every requirement, from mechanical resistance to energy efficiency.
For example, the regulations currently in force relating to the main groups of essential requirements are:
- STR 2.01.01(1):2005 “Mechanical resistance and stability” – regulates the ability of building structures to withstand loads and ensure stability throughout their entire service life.
- STR 2.01.04:2004 “Fire safety. Basic requirements” – specifies the measures to be taken to ensure that a building is resistant to fire, allows for evacuation and limits the spread of fire.
- STR 2.01.02:2016 “Design and certification of energy performance of buildings” – establishes design criteria for achieving the required energy performance class (A, A+, A++, etc.).
These regulations are only part of the entire set of STR documents applicable to a specific type, purpose, or location of a building. Designers and experts must follow the relevant, valid version of the STR, so each document must be checked through the e-Tar system before application.
“Construction law is not a set of recommendations. It is a clearly defined system that must be implemented in documents, not just promises,” says construction law attorney Gediminas Petrauskas.
Groups of essential requirements for buildings
Article 6 of the Construction Law of the Republic of Lithuania provides for seven groups of essential requirements for buildings. Each of them defines a different aspect that must be ensured during the design, construction, and use of a building.
These requirements are not optional – they all apply together and are mandatory.
Mechanical resistance and stability
A building must be able to withstand all loads to which it will be subjected, both static (e.g., roof weight) and dynamic (e.g., wind, snow, vibration). During the design phase, structural calculations must be performed in accordance with the requirements of the STR. Any deviations from these standards may result in emergency situations or the collapse of the structure.
Fire safety
The structure must be designed and constructed in such a way that, in the event of a fire, the evacuation of residents is ensured, the fire does not spread between buildings, and the structures do not collapse. This includes not only fire-resistant materials, but also clear evacuation routes, fire engineering, and distances from neighboring buildings.
Hygiene, health, and environment
The building must not pose a threat to human health or the environment. This includes a good indoor climate, sufficient natural light, ventilation, and the absence of harmful substances. The impact on water, air, soil, and noise pollution in the surrounding area is also assessed.
Safety of use
The building must be safe for everyone to use, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Structures must be sturdy, railings must be of adequate height, stairs must be comfortable, and elevator and door structures must be accessible. This requirement is often related to universal design principles.
Noise protection
The building must protect residents or employees from external and internal noise: street noise, neighbors’ activities, and the operation of engineering equipment. This is ensured by adequate sound insulation of walls, floors, and windows, the limits of which are regulated by STR.
Energy efficiency
Buildings must be designed to consume as little energy as possible. This includes adequate thermal resistance of enclosures, window orientation, efficiency of heating systems, and integration of renewable energy sources. These requirements are particularly relevant for energy efficiency classes A, A+, and A++.
Resource sustainability
From 2022, an additional seventh requirement will apply: buildings must be designed and used in such a way as to use materials, water, energy, and other natural resources as efficiently as possible. This encourages a reduction in the environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of a building, from construction to demolition.
How are the requirements applied in practice?
The essential requirements for buildings are not merely declarative principles – they must be applied at every stage of design and construction. Designers, builders, and construction supervision authorities rely on them to check whether a building meets all the criteria set out in the legislation.
Design stage
Every building design must be prepared in such a way that it complies with all relevant STRs relating to each of the essential requirements. Designers must:
- Specify the requirements to which specific solutions apply (e.g., what thickness of thermal insulation complies with the requirements of STR 2.01.02:2016);
- Ensure that structures are resistant to loads (in accordance with STR 2.01.01(1):2005);
- Include fire safety solutions (in accordance with STR 2.01.04:2004);
- Submit all design calculations proving compliance.
If the requirements are not met, the building permit (SLD) will not be issued.
During construction and maintenance
During the construction of a building, all materials, work methods, and structures must strictly comply with the project specifications. The construction inspectorate may check:
- Whether the materials used are certified and comply with STR;
- Whether the design solutions are being followed (especially in the areas of construction, sound insulation, and fire safety);
- Whether any essential requirements that could endanger people’s safety or health are being violated.
If essential requirements are violated, the inspection may suspend construction or even demand that the building be demolished.
During the use and maintenance phase
Even after a building has been constructed, the essential requirements continue to apply, especially in operational assessments or during renovations. If a fundamental requirement (e.g., stability, fire safety) is compromised due to wear and tear, fire, vibrations, or other factors, the municipality or the Building Inspection Authority may require additional work to be carried out or even restrict the use of the building.
Need help?
The construction process, especially when it comes to meeting essential building requirements, can be complex and require in-depth legal and technical knowledge. Even a small mistake in the design or during construction can have serious consequences, ranging from mandatory repairs to liability or even demolition of the building.
The Stav.lt team can help you:
- Assess whether your project complies with all applicable laws and STR;
- Prepare the documentation required to obtain a building permit;
- Advise on design, construction, and renovation requirements;
- Communicate with municipalities, the Building Inspection, and other institutions.
If you have any questions about the compliance of your building with essential requirements, please contact us and we will help ensure that your construction process runs smoothly and legally.