Lithuanian MP proposes dropping permits for individual homes

Linas Jonauskas, chair of the Seimas Environment Protection Committee, has proposed waiving construction permits for many single- and two-family homes, LRT reported. He registered the proposal on Monday as part of amendments to the Construction Law, saying it would cut red tape, shorten preparation for construction and improve housing affordability.

If approved, permits would not be required to build or reconstruct single- or two-family homes and their auxiliary structures. They would also not be required for repairs that change a home’s appearance or when a building’s category changes to a non-special or special structure.

Permits would still be required in protected natural and cultural heritage areas. They would also remain necessary for construction outside a homestead in a Natura 2000 area, and in areas containing UNESCO World Heritage-listed properties or cultural heritage sites.

Jonauskas said that waiting for permits can delay families’ move into their homes and increase costs, including rent and construction expenses. He added that builders would still have to comply with all applicable construction requirements.

The proposal comes as parliament considers separate amendments to ease homebuilding in garden plots. Those amendments would remove the permit requirement for single-family homes and garden houses of up to 80 square metres and 8.5 metres in height. The Seimas supported the proposals at an initial stage in September; they are due to return to the plenary chamber on December 1. If approved, the new rules for garden plots would take effect next year.