A permit for a project is a permit granted by the local authority for major projects that affect the environment and change its appearance, such as changes in land with soil or material or other projects that are covered.

The permit for implementation shall always be in accordance with the organisation.

A permit for the implementation may be granted without a divisional plan or a neighbourhood presentation if the implementation is clearly explained in the main plan.

Otherwise, a subdivision of the relevant area is required for a permit to be implemented.

The municipality may grant a permit for the project without a subdivision plan, if the vicinity promotion is carried out and the project is carried out in accordance with the main plan regarding land use, regional patterns and density of settlement.

Applications for a construction permit are made to the planning officer of the local authority concerned. For further information on the application for a construction permit, see

Municipalities determine the maximum validity period of the permit. If the project does not begin within 12 months of the municipality's approval for the permit, the permit will automatically expire.

Projects subject to a permit

The projects mentioned in this report are always subject to a permit for construction. Various other projects that affect the environment and change its appearance may also be subject to a permit for construction.

• The permitting authority assesses whether a project that is not specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment Act is considered major and is therefore subject to a permit.

• The assessment of whether a project is considered a major project takes into account the size of the area, the scope of the project, the durability and impact on landscape and the appearance of the environment and other environmental impacts.

This lists projects that may be subject to a permit to construct.

Projects not subject to a permit

• Construction projects subject to building permits.

• Small scale projects, that is projects that have a small impact on the environment and its appearance.

If there is doubt whether the project is subject to a permit, the applicant and the local authority can seek a decision from the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Projects covered bylaws on environmental assessmentimplementation and programmes

A permit for a project subject to the Act on Environmental Assessment of Projects and Plans shall not be issued until an opinion of the Agency for Environmental Assessment of Projects is available or a decision of the Agency that a project is not subject to an assessment.

• When considering an application for a construction permit, the municipality shall examine the environmental assessment report of the developer and provide the basis for the organization's opinion on the environmental assessment.

• The municipality shall make public its decision upon issuing the permit and the conclusion of the organizational body's opinion within two weeks of the issuing of the permit.