A building permit is one of the first steps that anyone planning to build, renovate, or otherwise alter a structure must take. Although it may seem like a mere formality, this document actually marks the beginning of the entire process of legalizing the construction. The permit confirms that the planned work complies with applicable laws, land use planning, protection zones, and technical regulations for construction.
Many people have natural questions: Do I really need a permit? How much will it cost? How long will it take? How can I remember to renew it? In this article, we will answer all these questions and explain how to prepare for the permit application process while avoiding unnecessary mistakes and delays.
When is a building permit required?
A building permit is not required in all cases – it depends on the nature of the construction, the size of the object, and its location. Generally speaking, the more complex the structure and the greater its potential impact on the environment or neighbors, the more likely it is that a permit will be required.
A permit is mandatory when planning to:
- construct a new residential or public building;
- reconstruct a building by changing its external appearance or load-bearing structures;
- carry out major repairs;
- demolish larger structures;
- construct commercial buildings, even if they are small in size.
However, there are exceptions when a permit is not required. For example:
- when carrying out simple repairs (without changing the structure or layout);
- when constructing simple structures up to a certain height and area (e.g., gazebos, sheds);
- when construction is carried out outside the city limits and does not violate the rights of others.
If you are unsure whether your planned construction requires a permit, it is always best to consult with specialists or your local municipal planning department.
How to obtain a building permit?
Obtaining a permit is not as complicated as it may seem at first glance – the most important thing is to be well prepared and know what steps to take. The main system through which the entire process is carried out today is the Infostatyba information system, where permits are issued by municipalities or other institutions.
Steps to obtain a permit:
- Prepare the project – you must have a building design prepared by a qualified architect or designer. This is the main document without which a permit will not be issued.
- Submit your application in the Infostatyba system – once you have logged in via the electronic government gateway, you can submit all documents and applications electronically.
- Wait for approval from the responsible authorities – depending on the location and specifics of the object, the project may need to be approved by the fire department, environmental protection, heritage protection, etc.
- Obtain a permit – if all documents are in order and do not violate any laws, the permit will be issued electronically.
Who can submit an application?
An application for a permit may be submitted by:
- the builder (land owner),
- an authorized person (e.g., architect or company),
- co-owners – all must give their consent if the land is jointly owned.
What are the deadlines for issuing a permit?
It usually takes 20 to 30 working days to issue a building permit, but this period may be extended if documents are missing, additional coordination is required, or the project does not comply with the standards. It is important to prepare well in advance to avoid delays.
How much does a building permit cost?
The cost of a building permit depends on several key factors, including the type of property, the size of the building, the location, and the complexity of the design. It is important to understand that the permit issuance service itself is usually free, but costs arise from design work, preparation of mandatory documents, coordination procedures, and expert opinions, if required.
The main costs associated with obtaining a permit are:
- Design services: can range from €500 to several thousand euros, depending on the complexity of the building and the architect’s fees.
- Geodetic and topographic measurements: ~€150–500.
- Energy performance project (if required): ~€100–300.
- Mandatory coordination and conditions for connecting to engineering networks: often free of charge, but in some cases additional fees may apply.
- Building design expertise (if necessary): mandatory for some more complex objects – the price can range from €300 to €1,000 or more.
It is important to note that the municipality issues building permits free of charge, but everything that is required prior to this is subject to fees charged by private service providers (designers, surveyors, etc.).
Therefore, the total cost of obtaining a permit, even for a simple single-family house, often exceeds €1,000–1,500. For more complex projects, this amount may double or increase even more.
How to extend the validity of a building permit?
A building permit is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. During this period, construction must begin, i.e., actual work on the land or structures must commence. If construction does not begin within the specified period, the permit expires.
However, it can be extended.
When and how can this be done?
- The permit can be extended no later than 3 years after its issue.
- The application must be submitted via the Infostatyba system, logging in as a natural or legal person.
- The permit can be extended only once, and it is extended for another 2 years.
What documents must be submitted?
Usually, the following is sufficient:
- a reasoned request for extension,
- an explanation of why construction has not started,
- a copy of the valid building design (if it has not changed).
Does it cost anything?
The permit extension procedure itself is free of charge, but additional costs may arise if the design needs to be updated or new approvals are required.
Common problems and how to avoid them
Obtaining a building permit does not usually cause any major difficulties, but many people still encounter obstacles that slow down the process or require additional time and expense. Problems most often arise due to insufficient preparation or incorrect assumptions that “everything will be simple.”
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
This is one of the main obstacles that cause authorities to reject or suspend the examination of an application. Often, clear topographical plans are missing, technical drawings are incorrect, or project information is not properly formulated. Sometimes the data provided does not correspond to the actual situation on the site.
How to avoid this: consult an experienced designer and use the services of professional architects. It is also a good idea to check the list of documents at Infostatyba before submitting your application.
Design errors
Even a minor error in a drawing – too close to the boundary of a neighboring plot, incorrectly marked easement, or unresolved engineering network issues – can cause the authorities to reject the application or request corrections. Such “minor” corrections often take weeks.
How to avoid this: Before starting the design, find out all the specific features of the plot, from detailed plans to infrastructure requirements. It is worth involving a technical consultant in the design stages.
Missing the permit validity deadline
Often, a permit is issued, but construction does not begin within three years, and the permit expires. This happens especially often when builders are waiting for financing, coordinating contractors, or simply do not have enough time.
How to avoid this: enter the permit expiration date in your calendar or reminder system. If you know that construction will be delayed, submit a request for an extension before the permit expires.
Non-compliance with municipal zoning
Sometimes a project does not comply with the specific purpose of the territory or the planned zoning documents. In this case, the plan must be adjusted or even the intended use of the plot must be changed.
How to avoid this: before designing, check the detailed plan of the plot, special land use conditions, heritage protection or other restrictions.
When is a building permit required? Comparison table
| Building / works | Is a building permit required? | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Construction of a residential house (from 80 m²) | Yes | A complete project and approval by Infostatyba are required |
| Smaller residential house (<80 m²) | Yes | Even if it is simple, a residential building still requires a permit |
| Farm building up to 50 m² (in rural areas) | No | If no higher than 5 m, not in a city, built on your own land |
| Farm building >50 m² or in a town | Yes | Permit and design required |
| Arbour, woodshed up to 20 m² | No | If it is a simple structure and no closer than 1 m from neighbors |
| Garage attached to the house | Yes | Considered part of the house, therefore a permit is required |
| Detached garage (<50 m²) | Often no | If it meets the criteria for a simple structure |
| Solar power plant on the roof | No | If the supporting structures are not changed |
| Ground-mounted solar power plant (high power) | Yes | Design, coordination and permit required |
People’s experiences: what you should know in advance
Many people who have already gone through the process of obtaining a building permit agree that the most important thing is to plan everything in advance. Some say that they obtained their permit in a matter of weeks, while others say that minor errors delayed the process for months.
Here are some of the main practical tips:
- Do not attempt to “coordinate everything yourself” if you do not have experience – this often only makes the situation worse.
- Check that the project complies with STR requirements (technical regulations for construction) – this is a common reason for rejection.
- Communicate with the municipality – if you have any questions, it is better to ask than to submit incorrect information.
- Use the Infostatybos system consciously – carefully monitor the status of your application and respond to comments.
Practice shows that when experienced specialists (designers, consultants, construction supervisors) are involved in the process from the outset, everything runs more smoothly and cheaply.
Need help?
If you need help filling out an application for a building permit, checking documents, or consulting on land use planning or permit extensions, contact the independent construction experts at stav.lt. Our team is ready to help ensure that the entire construction process is smooth, legal, and free of unnecessary disruptions.