Change of use of the building

A change in the intended use of a building or part of it always requires a permit from the building control authority. As a rule, changes in intended use are projects that require a building permit.

Typically, a permit is required for a change in purpose of use when a second home is converted into a permanent residential building or the purpose of another space or building is substantially changed.

Modification permits are applied for electronically from the Lupapiste service. Once the permit has been obtained, the modifications must be carried out and the inspections specified in the permit must be carried out in order for the premises to be approved for new use. Note: the change will only come into effect once the permit has been put into operation and/or the final inspection has been carried out.

The requirements for granting a building permit are assessed by examining whether the modification project complies with the plans and regulations in force in the area. You can find the valid plans on the city's website in the map service. Map service

The most important regulations to be followed in modification projects are the Finnish Building Regulations (regulations), the Construction Act and the Decree. The regulations can be found on the website of the Ministry of the Environment, among others.

If the requested permit is not for construction in accordance with the plan or involves coastal construction, a deviation permit must often be applied for from the Environmental Protection Board before a change of use permit is issued.

Change of purpose of use of a holiday home to a permanent home

When changing the purpose of a holiday home, a deviation permit issued by the Environmental Protection Board is often required. The Building Inspectorate determines the need for a permit and, if necessary, prepares the requested deviation permits for the Environmental Protection Board to decide.

A deviation permit is required when the construction site is located in an unzoned coastal area or the construction site is designated as a holiday construction site in the plan.

After a positive deviation permit, you always need a building permit for the change of use. A positive deviation permit is often valid for 2 years, during which time you must apply for a building permit for the change. A building permit can also be applied for at the same time as the deviation permit, which will slightly shorten the total duration of the permit processing.

Deviation permit of changing the purpose of use of the building

When processing a deviation permit, the following requirements are taken into account, among others:

• Equal treatment of landowners
• The deviation does not cause any harm to the zoning, the implementation of the plan, other organization of the areas, or make it difficult to achieve nature conservation and environmental protection goals.
• Permanent housing remains controlled, and the change in use does not constitute a breakdown of the community structure or urban settlement in a sparsely populated area.
• The property is located near permanent settlement and the distance to basic services and settlements is reasonable.
• The property has proper and maintained road connections.
• It is possible to arrange good quality domestic water for the property.
• Wastewater is treated in accordance with the Government Decree.
• The building meets the technical requirements for a permanent residential building or can be converted into one.

The following documents are required as an attachment to the application for a deviation permit:

- Location plan drawing that shows at least the following:

• Property boundaries, registration numbers of the property and neighboring properties, possible zoning markings, north direction arrow. 
• Buildings are named; new, old and demolished buildings with different markings, as well as neighboring buildings located 10 meters closer to the building being built (6 meters in the local plan area).
• Number of floors and floor areas of buildings. The floor area of ​​a new building can be an estimate.
• The main dimensions of the new building and the distance from the nearest property boundaries and other buildings.
• The minimum distance from the neighbor's boundary for construction is 4 m, and the distance from the center line of roads is 20 m and from the center line of private roads is 12 m. If closer to the center line of roads, a favorable statement from the Economic Development Centre or the consent of the road authority is required for private roads.
• For beach locations, the distance to the beach and the length of the shoreline.
• Yard arrangements, plot roads and access to the construction site, as well as, if necessary, trees to be preserved/planted.
• Terrain and elevation.
• The location of the property-specific wastewater system, if not in the sewerage area, as well as a description of the domestic water supply and, if necessary, the location of the well.
• The scale is generally 1:500, but the construction site can also be shown partially or at a scale of 1:1000 if the construction site is a larger space. 

- Consultation with border neighbors:

The applicant hears the neighbors:

In the opinions (Lausunnot) section of Lupapiste, the permit processor selects the neighbors to be heard. The applicant can hear the neighbors by inviting them to Lupapiste via email, where the neighbors can provide their comments after strong identification.

If the consultation through Lupapiste is not successful, the applicant can also consult the neighbors as follows:

• Print the application and attachments from Lupapiste.
• Show your neighbors the application with attachments and the consultation form.
• Request the neighbors' signatures on both the form and the site plan, with the text added: "We have reviewed the plans for the deviation permit / the decision on the need for planning and have no comments on the project." All owners of neighboring properties sign both documents.
• Scan the form signed by the neighbors and the site plan and attach it to Lupapiste under Neighbor Consultation (Naapurin kuuleminen).
• If a neighbor makes a complaint about the project, it should be written on a separate A4 sheet of paper and attached to the application documents.

The city consults the neighbors:

At the applicant's request, the city can hear the neighbors, in which case the relevant item is selected on the opinions (Lausunnot) tab of Lupapiste.

The municipality will allow neighbors at least 7 days to submit their objections to the application. In addition, 7 days will be reserved for the delivery of mail. If the project has a significant impact on the living, working or other conditions of neighbors further away, the municipality will announce the application on the municipal notice board and in the local newspaper. A fee will be charged for the consultation according to the currently valid rate.

Building permit for change of use of a building

Holiday homes are often built with different requirements than residential buildings and have been granted exemptions from regulations. In the event of a change in use, the permit consideration is made on the basis of current regulations, which often requires changes to structures or technical systems.

When issuing a building permit, the following requirements are assessed, among others:

• Requirements related to a deviation permit, especially if a deviation permit is not required
• The strength and stability of the structures is sufficient.
• Fire safety. For example, adequate exit routes, address signs, and fire alarms.
• Sufficient ventilation. Ventilation rate of at least 0,5l/h. Heat recovery of at least 45% of the exhaust air
• The operational safety of the building meets regulations, including stairs, railings and walkways.
• The area is also suitable for permanent residence in terms of environmental noise levels.
• The building's energy efficiency requirements are met. The insulation thickness of the walls and ceilings is increased, if necessary, to comply with the regulations. Achieving the regulations is proven by presenting an energy report.
• The apartment area must be at least 20m2. The room height must be at least 2400mm. The apartment's free door width must be 800mm and the width of the exterior door must be 900mm. Each room must have a window with a light opening of at least 10% of the room area.
• The building must have facilities for resting, eating, washing and preparing food, as well as sufficient storage and warehousing facilities.
• Technical systems must meet the requirements set for them, including water and sewage systems, heating systems, electrical systems, etc.

Durations and prices for appeals of the purpose of use

The processing time for a deviation permit issued by the Environmental Board is usually approximately 3 months from the moment all necessary attachments and consultations with neighbors have been completed.

The processing time for a building permit is usually approx. 1-3 weeks from the moment all necessary attachments and neighbor consultations have been completed. There is a 7+30 day appeal period for building permit decisions before the permit becomes legally binding. Note: holiday periods may affect the processing time for the permit.

Permit prices are always determined in accordance with the current building control fee schedule.

Building ordinance

Building inspection fees 2026