The Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) have prepared key changes to be implemented from July 1, 2024, regarding the issuance of building permits as part of the Local Self-Government reform. Among the measures to be taken, the key proposed change will see planning and building permits for low-risk developments, such as houses or apartment buildings with up to 12 units, being abolished.
In place of these permits, the role of “Construction Inspector”, will be introduced. Selected from the ETEK register, these construction inspectors, comprising architects and civil engineers, will be responsible for ensuring that construction work complies with studies and existing legislation. They will conduct post-construction inspections at each stage of a project and violators of the legislation will face hefty fines. This new approach is aimed at streamlining procedures, reducing delays, and easing the burden on the newly established Provincial Self-Government Organizations.
Among other features of the reform are: the digitalisation of consultations with state services to expedite examination of applications; removal of the requirement for signature on agreements between applicants and the Town Planning Authority; for applications submitted with incomplete data, the Town Planning Authority will now make a decision based on existing data without delay. Further, the employment and training of 105 staff and researchers is expected; of these 30 have already begun their training.
