Unauthorised construction

Unauthorised construction

Unauthorised construction refers to building activity that requires a building permit or other authorisation but has been carried out or commenced without such a permit. This applies not only to new construction but also to alteration and extension works that exceed the permit threshold.

Unauthorised change of use

This refers to a situation where a building or part of it is actually used for a different purpose than that for which a building permit was granted.

Untidy buildings and their surroundings

By law, the owner of a property or building is obliged to keep the buildings and their surroundings tidy and in a condition that meets health and safety requirements. Building control is responsible for monitoring the condition of buildings and unauthorised outdoor storage. If the content of a request for action does not fall within the competence of building control, it will be directed to the appropriate authority.

Unauthorised tree felling / landscape work

The requirement for a permit for landscape work and tree felling is stipulated in the Building Act and the municipality’s building regulations. If the permit threshold is exceeded but the work has been carried out or commenced without applying for a permit, this constitutes an unauthorised procedure.

Initiation and progression of the process

A supervision matter concerning the built environment begins either based on an observation by a building inspector or a request for action made regarding the matter.

Depending on the negligence or illegality in question, the process may proceed in different ways. Typically, it begins either with an inspection visit to the property concerned or with a request for clarification sent to the property owner. If no illegality is detected, the matter is concluded. If illegality is detected, the processing of the matter continues.

The aim is to rectify the illegal situation as quickly as possible. If the instruction given to correct the illegality is not followed, the matter may proceed to administrative enforcement proceedings, and, at discretion, a request for investigation may also be made to the police.