New Building Act 2025 - main changes in building permits

From 1 April 2025, the new Building Act (No. 25/2025 Coll.) comes into forcewhich after almost 50 years replaces the existing Act No. 50/1976 Coll. on spatial planning and building regulations. The new legislation introduces major reforms to the permitting process with the intention of reducing bureaucracy and speeding up construction. In this article, we look at the key changes - from the unified construction procedure and digitalisation to the new institutions and the impact on designers and builders.

Uniform and faster authorisation procedure

The most significant change is the introduction of one-stage construction plan procedure. This means that the planning permission and the building permit are merged into one main procedure. The builder will no longer have to deal with several related decisions in succession; instead, one building plan decisionthat will take into account both the location of the building and the building permit at the same time. This integrated procedure shall also consider all any ancillary and related structures.

The building plan procedure is only once more before the building authoritybut it is preceded by a negotiation of the building plan with the authorities and persons concerned. These are preliminary consultation - the designer, the builder or a person authorised by the builder sends the plans to the authorities concerned (e.g. health inspector, fire brigade, network manager) and also to the neighbours or the municipality concerned for their comments. The role of the designer or person authorised by the builder is strengthened - they become the "procedural representative" of the builder, which will ensure the negotiation of the plan and prepare the necessary project documentation. If an authority or neighbour does not comment within the time limit (normally 30 days), silence shall be deemed to be an assenting opinion.

Digitisation of permitting: construction portal and electronic procedures

One of the key pillars of the reform is digitisation of the construction agenda. From 1 April 2025, the entire permitting process will run exclusively through the new Construction portal, which is part of the Construction Information System.

What does the Construction Portal bring?

• Applying online - all applications, documents and annexes shall be submitted electronically. This applies in particular to applications for a building plan decision and for verification of project documentation.
• Electronic identification and signature - To apply, you must log in with your eID (ID card with chip) and documents must be signed with a qualified electronic signature.
• A clear course of action - the builder, the designer or the person authorised by the builder can see online the status of the proceedings, who has submitted what opinion, whether the deadlines have been met, etc.
• Documentation repository - all submissions, decisions and statements are filed in one place. This simplifies traceability and increases transparency.

Benefits of digitisation

• Saving time - no personal visits to the authorities or carrying paper documentation.
• Reducing the error rate - the system will warn you about missing attachments or incorrect formats.
• Equal access for all - The system is the same for small municipalities and large cities, reducing regional differences in the application of the law.
• Faster communication - the opinions of the authorities concerned are delivered electronically, which can speed up the whole process.

Digitisation therefore not only streamlines the process, but also brings greater legal certainty and clarity.

New institutions and their competences

The changes also include the creation of new state construction administration bodies. is created. Office for Spatial Planning and Construction of the Slovak Republic (UÚPV) and regional offices, which take over responsibilities from district offices. First instance procedures remain at municipal level, with the UÚPV becoming the appeal body. This is expected to result in a more uniform procedure and more professional decision-making. In addition Slovak Building Inspection, which will supervise compliance with the Building Code directly in the field, which will contribute to the elimination of black buildings.

Continued soon...