Building Permits
Most construction projects and alterations to existing buildings require a permit. We recommend contacting the Building Control Authority at an early stage of your project to determine which permits are required.
All permit applications are submitted through the Lupapiste online service. Early guidance helps ensure that your application and its attachments are as complete as possible before submission.
The type of permit required depends on factors such as the nature and scale of the project, as well as the location of the building site.
Building Permit
A building permit is required for, among other things:
- constructing a new building
- major renovation or alteration work
- significant changes to the use of an existing building
A building permit includes an assessment of both the suitability of the location and compliance with essential technical requirements. Permits are issued by the municipal Building Control Authority.
Placement Permit
A placement permit is a preliminary decision confirming whether a building may be located on a specific site before construction begins. It does not authorize construction but verifies that the legal requirements for the building’s location are met.
Landscape Work Permit
A landscape work permit is required for projects that significantly alter the landscape, such as earthworks, tree felling, or similar measures.
Demolition Permit
A demolition permit is required for demolishing buildings in detailed plan areas or other areas where demolition permits are required under Finnish legislation.
Deviation Permit
A deviation permit may be required when a project departs from planning regulations or other statutory requirements. For example, construction in shoreline areas outside detailed plan areas often requires a deviation permit.
Deviation permit applications are submitted through the Lupapiste service.
Applying for a Permit
All permits are applied for through Lupapiste:
Typical application documents include:
- Architectural drawings signed by the designer
- Statements from neighbouring property owners
- A wastewater treatment plan (where no public sewer network is available)
- An energy certificate or energy report (for residential buildings and holiday homes over 50 m²)
- A deviation decision, if applicable
- Details of the responsible site manager and water and sewer works supervisor, if required
- A Trade Register extract (for companies)
- Minutes of the shareholders’ meeting (for housing companies)
- A power of attorney, if required
For detailed permit requirements and document lists, please refer to the Lupapiste service or contact the City of Kuhmo’s Building Control Authority.
