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4 THE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
In the following section we will first give an overview of the application process for building
constitutions. This is followed by an overview of the different stakeholders involved in the process and
systems supporting it.
4.1 Overview of the case
Norway has 429 autonomous municipalities responsible for processing of building constitutions within
their domain. In 2008, 326 of these municipalities had less than 10.000 inhabitants and the single
largest had more than 575.000. Due to this, the required staff and infrastructure to handle building
permits vary extensively. But the approval process will in any case have to be in accordance to the
Planning and Building Act.
The duration of the approval process depends on the complexity of the building project. The Planning
and Building Act determines what projects that require approval. Less complex projects can be
processed directly or through simple notification over the counter, while other projects will require a
more comprehensive consideration. Larger applications normally go through four phases: The Initial
Framework Meeting, an application for a General Permit, an application for Project Start-Up
Permission, and a request for Permit of Use or a Statement of Completion.
The Initial Framework Meeting can be requested for projects of all sizes. It is held so that the general
conditions and possible obstacles for completing the process can be identified and communicated to
the liable applicant and developer. Even though the municipal representative is required to take
minutes from this meeting, these minutes are not taken into the processing of the application itself.
An application for a General Permit is submitted, which will determine whether the project can be
accomplished within the existing local plan and within the scope of initial framework meeting. The
project can be granted a General Permit despite having some unresolved technical conditions.
Before the Project Start-Up Permission is given, a detailed planning for the project must be completed
and controlled, and documentation must be sent to the Agency for Planning and Building Services.
General Permits and Project Start-Up Permissions can be given simultaneously when applicable, and
less complex projects can be processed directly in one-stop shops.
The Permit of Use or Statement of Completion is issued when the project is documented to be
complete. Provisional permissions can be provided prior to completion given that there are no
shortcomings that are a danger to life, health or safety. The Permit of Use is limited to the intended use
stated in the project framework with respect to residential or commercial activity or other factors in
which the initial permit was based on.
Figure 1 Steps in the building plan application process
Everyone has the right to file a formal appeal according to the Public Administration Act. External
stakeholders such as neighbours, residents associations etc., have the right to make complaints
regarding decisions made by the Agency for Planning and Building Services in a building application.
The purpose of the system for formal appeals is primarily to secure the interests of private parties. The
County Governor is the top-end authority to rule on appeal cases. The responsible applicant is
responsible for informing external stakeholders affected by the project prior to sending the application.
Proof of what information that has been provided and to whom should be attached to the application
together with any protests received. Any irregularities with the building application with respect to
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