How do I get a building permit issued?

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The final timeline for approval of plans and issuance of building permits depends on whether all relevant documents have been submitted and whether they meet the requirements, the size of the project, whether neighborhood consultation is required, and when the specified fees have been paid.

Delays

A common reason for longer processing times for plan approval and building permit issuance is that the submitted documents are not sufficient. The main reasons for this include:

  • Necessary documents are missing from the application (e.g., co-owner's consent, structural designer's opinion).
  • Blueprints are incomplete, insufficient, or do not comply with building regulations.
  • Blueprints are not in accordance with approved planning.
  • Fees are not paid.

Necessary documents

To obtain a building permit so that construction can begin, the following documents must be submitted:

  • A request for registration of the construction manager must be submitted, completed, and signed by the plot owner/owner to the service center.

  • A signed declaration by the construction manager regarding their responsibility for the execution (a blank form for confirming the permit and the construction manager's responsibility can be obtained after requesting the registration of the construction manager in the service center).

  • A signed declaration of responsibility by the master tradesmen responsible for individual work phases (a blank form can be obtained after registering the construction manager in the service center).

  • Professional liability insurance for the construction manager from an insurance company (confirmation of insurance is sent from the insurance company to the Building Commissioner's email: byggingarfulltrui@reykjavik.is).

  • An overview by the design manager of the internal supervision of the design execution regarding the responsibility areas of individual designers and their endorsement to confirm that the overview is comprehensive.

  • Declaration of property division (if applicable).

  • Pay building permit fees and other specified fees.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the design manager to ensure that all documents are submitted to the Building Commissioner's office and to request the continuation of the case processing when the documents and payment have been received. Only then can a formal building permit be issued, and only then can the construction begin.