Building permit (povolení záměru)

A building permit is a decision of the building authority that sites a building and allows it to be built. The Building Act No. 283/2021 Coll., which applies to most buildings from 1 July 2024, speaks more generally of a project permit (povolení záměru): a project can be a building but also, for example, a change of land use. People still often search for it as stavební povolení. Every project needs a permit except minor structures and cases the law expressly exempts.

What changed from the previous rules

Under the previous Act No. 183/2006 Coll., a building was first sited by a zoning decision (územní rozhodnutí) or zoning consent and then permitted by a building permit (stavební povolení) or a notification; the two could be combined into a joint permit. The new Act replaced this with a single procedure ending in a single decision. Final building permits, consents to notified works and joint permits issued under the previous rules are now treated as project permits.

Time limits and validity

• The building authority decides within 30 days for a simple structure, such as an ordinary family house, and within 60 days in other cases. It can extend the time limit in particularly complex cases.
• A permit is valid for 2 years from becoming final, unless the authority sets a longer period, up to 5 years.
• If construction starts while the permit is valid, its validity is extended to 10 years.
• Validity can be extended on an application filed before expiry, each time by up to 2 years.

What to check when buying

For a plot with a permitted or unfinished building, check that the permit exists, is final and still valid, and that the building matches the permitted plans. The rights and obligations under the permit pass to the new owner, who must notify the building authority. The building authority assesses compliance with the zoning plan only in the permit procedure, so zoning data alone guarantee nothing. Once the building is finished, occupancy approval usually follows.

Frequently asked questions

What does not need a permit?

Minor structures listed in Annex 1 to the Building Act, for example, subject to conditions, a structure of up to 40 m² footprint and 5 m height on the plot of a family house. Alterations that do not affect load-bearing structures, do not change the building's appearance or use and cannot compromise fire safety need no permit either.

Does this still apply after the 2026 amendment?

A major amendment signed in September 2026, due to apply mainly from 1 January 2027, changes the procedure further. Its transitional provisions decide how the new rules apply to pending cases, so ask the building authority about a specific project.