The new construction act may make construction easier, but increases the responsibility of the builder
"You can't build any way you like, you still have to follow the formulas and regulations"
From the beginning of 2025, a new construction law came into force, which governs construction. Since the beginning of January, only one form of permit has been used, the construction permit. - In the future, the responsibility will shift more and more to the builder, when the permit is simplified, says leading building inspector Arto Tavaststjerna.
With the Construction Act, all construction measures that require a permit are applied for as construction permits. The new law therefore combines the previous forms of permission: building permit, operation permit and operation notification. In addition, the demolition permit, demolition notice and landscape work permit remain as permit types.
Now a building permit is not required for less than 30 m² or 120 m3 for non-residential buildings or roofs of less than 50 m². Audience structures for 1-4 people, masts or pipes less than 30 m high, and illuminated advertising devices less than 2 m² in size can also be made without a permit. However, if necessary, a deviation permit must still be applied for, if, for example, the plan does not allow a construction project.
A beach sauna can be built according to the plan without a building permit
A building permit is required for the construction of buildings and construction sites, but some smaller construction projects will no longer require a permit procedure in the future. For example, a sauna can be built on the beach without a building permit, but only if the plan and building regulations allow it. If the formula does not allow it, you still need to apply for a deviation permit.
- Even though there has been such news, with the change in the law, you can't build just how you want, but you still have to follow the plans and regulations. The same rules still apply when it comes to construction, but you no longer need to apply for a permit from the building inspectorate. If you haven't previously received permission to build a sauna on the beach with a deviation permit, you still can't build it, building inspector Ville Vähatiitto says.
- Even if a permit is not needed, it is still recommended to get a qualified designer to help with the construction project. The designer resolves the technical requirements of the construction and ensures compliance with the regulations, Vähätiitto adds.
The distances for construction to the shore are defined in the formula. In Äänekoski, in most plans, you can build a sauna 15 meters from the beach. The sauna must also meet, among other things, fire safety requirements.
- In the case of a carrier water sauna, the water can be absorbed into the ground in a controlled manner, for example in a stone nest. Under no circumstances should waste water be released into the waterways. If the sauna has pressurized water or a hot water heater, the washing water must be treated appropriately in its own waste water system or lead to the sewer network. There is an obligation to connect to the sewer network if the property is located in the operating area of water supply facilities. The construction of the wastewater system still requires a permit, the environmental manager Hanna Ahonen recalls.
The responsibility and planning work is increasing
- Covered terraces, canopies and other small construction sites in the yard can now also be built without a building permit, which is a good reform from the builder's point of view, but the builder's responsibility and planning work increases, says Tavaststjerna.
Previously, in the permit process, compliance with all regulations was checked, but now the responsibility for checking rests entirely with the builder. The builder must comply with the construction law and regulations, general construction regulations, plan regulations or building order regulations. The builder has to find out himself that the construction project is certainly according to the plan, that the building right remains and that the building is fire safe. The building's information must also be reported to the tax authority.
If a building with a size of less than 30 m² has a fixed kitchen equipment with stoves, it is interpreted as a leisure apartment or a residential building and therefore a construction subject to a permit. Extensions of buildings and alteration and repair work affecting the safety or health of the building's users are still projects that require a permit. Projects that affect the cityscape also need a permit.
- If the construction exempted from the permit does not comply with the regulations and deviates even slightly from the plan or building order, a deviation permit must always be applied for, Vähätiitto reminds.
Building control advises residents
You can still get personal guidance from the building supervision of the city of Äänekoski when you wonder if you need a permit for your construction project. However, the Building Control Authority does not design the building or give detailed advice on the construction itself. If necessary, the builder should hire a designer for the project.
- It is good practice to inform the neighbors about construction without a permit before starting construction work. This avoids situations where building control has to interfere unnecessarily with licensed construction. Violation of the law and regulations leads to subsequent monitoring and, in the worst case, the demolition of the building, Tavaststjerna says.
For more information:
Leading building inspector Arto Tavaststjerna, 0400 649 503, arto.tavaststjerna@aanekoski.fi
Building inspector Ville Vähätiitto, 0400 649 495, ville.vahatiitto@aanekoski.fi
Environmental manager Hanna Ahonen, 0400 893 683, hanna.ahonen@aanekoski.fi
News published, modified 15.1.2025 at 09:58