Simple notification

What simple notification is

Simple notification is not a permit but a notification: the authority does not make a decision about the start of construction. Within a defined range — typically the construction of a new dwelling of no more than 300 m² total useful floor area containing only residential and ancillary rooms, and in specified cases the extension of an existing dwelling — it replaces the permit procedure.

What many people misunderstand

It does not mean there are no rules

The notification route does not exempt from the building requirements. The OTÉK, the local building code, the fire and energy requirements all apply. Only the point of checking moves.

It does not mean no design is needed

There is a mandatory design content laid down in legislation, and it has to be produced by a qualified designer.

It does not mean construction is simpler

The electronic construction log, the responsible technical manager and the verification of the products installed are all still required. Indeed: since there is no authority filter, the responsibility of the designer and the contractor is relatively greater.

What it is good for

• A faster start: no permit procedure to run through.
• More predictable: the conditions follow from legislation, not from discretion.
• Less administration at the start of the project.

What to watch

The size limit

Calculating useful floor area is not intuitive, and crossing the limit changes the whole route. Settle it at the very start of the design.

Clarity of use

If another function appears in the dwelling, that can affect the classification.

Later saleability and lending

For houses built under notification the completeness of the documentation is particularly important, because the bank and the buyer both work from it. What tends to be missing is the verification of the products installed and the fire documentation.

The light gauge steel angle

The notification route says nothing about the technology the house is built in. What does remain a question is how the structure is classified in fire terms, and what verifies the products installed.

This is not legal advice

The conditions for simple notification and the mandatory design content change. The official building portal gives up-to-date information; on a specific matter the text in force governs.