Permit to Demolish a Building

In an area covered by a local detailed plan, demolishing a building or part of it generally requires a demolition permit. A demolition permit must also be applied for outside the local detailed plan area if there is a building ban in the area or if so specified in the general plan.

Even if a permit is not required for demolition, a demolition notification must be submitted to building control 30 days before starting the work. The building control authority may, within 30 days and for justified reasons, require an application for a demolition permit.

Requirements

  • Demolition permit: Generally required in local detailed plan areas and in certain cases outside such areas.
  • Exceptions: No permit required if a valid building permit or other authority decision requires demolition. Demolition of an outbuilding or other minor building generally does not require a permit unless it is a historically significant or architecturally valuable building.
  • Demolition notification: Made 30 days before starting work if no permit is required.
  • EEA operators: If a business operator is established in another EEA state and provides services temporarily in Finland, the same permits are required as for operators established in Finland.

Application procedure

  • Applicant: Property owner or holder.
  • Authority: Municipal building control.
  • Application content: Description of how demolition work will be organized, how construction waste will be handled, and how usable parts can be utilized.
  • Notification: If no permit is required, a demolition notification is made 30 days before starting work. Building control may require a demolition permit application within 30 days.