Fences and demarcation of plots

As a general rule, property owners have the right to build a fence along the boundary of their plot, unless otherwise provided for in the site plan. The land-use plan may contain provisions allowing, prohibiting or requiring fencing. If there is no provision for fencing in the plan, the city’s building regulations apply.

Planting a hedge does not require a permit or notification.

Do I need a permit to build a terrace?

Building a covered terrace needs a building permit. If the terrace is not interpreted as a roof, it always adds a roof to the building. floor area of the building, in which case a building permit is required.

Can I cut down trees on a property I own?

According to the Land Use and Building Act, felling of trees in a zoning area is subject to authorisation.

From the plot or building site, the following may be trees can be felled without a permit from the building control authority if the following conditions are met:

1. Trees are located in the area you control
   on the plot.
2. Up to five trees will be felled and there will still be trees on the plot
   after the felling operation.
3. There are no protection provisions for trees in the land-use plan or the tree is not
   protected by a decision under the Nature Conservation Act.
4. Trees will not grow on a part of the plot where the site plan stipulates that
   have trees.
5. The trees are not of landscape importance. Important trees are
   for example, handsome old individual trees, groups of trees, tree lines and the like,
   the loss of which would have a materially degrading effect on the environment and which are are rare in Finland.
6. Dumping is a one-off operation, not an ongoing activity.
7. At or near the border
   the felling of trees in the vicinity of the border requires the consent of the neighbour.

For larger woodworking operations the necessary landscaping permit is issued by the building control authority. In the zoning plan or a tree of landscape value, the building control authority may require the planting of a new tree. If you are not sure about the you should contact the building control department.

If a tree falls in a storm, or if a tree is about to fall, can I cut it down?

A tree that is dangerous for the environment can be felled without a permit when the action is necessary to eliminate an immediate danger. If necessary, it must be possible to prove that the tree is dangerous afterwards. For example, the mere threat that a snow load may cause tree branches to break off and fall to the ground is not a reason for felling. The building inspectorate may oblige the planting of a new, comparable tree to replace the one felled as dangerous. If there is no immediate danger, the normal permit procedure is followed for trees in poor condition. The property owner is responsible for monitoring the condition of the trees on the property and taking action if necessary. Any damage caused by a fallen tree to others is the responsibility of the property owner.

Nuisance trees near the property boundary?

The Neighbour Relations Act gives the plot holder the right to remove roots and branches extending from the neighbour’s side of the plot if they are a nuisance. The party causing the nuisance must, in the first instance, ask the tree owner to remove the roots and branches. Only if the tree owner fails to comply with the request within a reasonable period of time does the aggrieved party have the right to take action itself. The right of removal extends only to the boundary line, not beyond it. The Neighbourly Relations Act is enforced by the police and disputes under the Act are settled by the District Court.

Do you need a foreman in charge? Why?

Construction work requiring a building permit must be carried out by a foreman in charge of the construction work. In this context, construction work requiring a building permit means all measures that require a building permit under the Land Use and Building Act.

The decision to authorise the project contains explicitly mentioned if a supervisor is required for the project. In the case of construction work requiring a permit, the supervisor must be only if it is necessary for the safety of the work to be carried out during operation health and safety reasons or for landscape and environmental reasons or the landscape.

The supervisor is responsible for the construction work the overall quality of the work and ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the the building permit, the building regulations and good building practice good construction practice. In addition, the site supervisor shall ensure that the commencement of construction work is notified to the building control authority and that the construction work is the construction work inspection document is kept up to date at the construction site.

Do you have to “ask permission” from your neighbours?

Neighbours must be informed of the pending application for a building permit. No permission from a neighbour is required. The applicant may include a statement on informing neighbours with the application, or this may also be done by the authority for a fee.

Can I use my holiday home as a permanent residence?

The change of use from a holiday home to a permanent residential building requires a building permit. In addition to a building permit, a variation permit may also be required.

Do I need a permit to change the waterproofing material?

In a zoning area, a change in the roofing material or its colour requires a building permit. If the roof is to be repaired to match the previous roof, no permit is required.

Do I need a permit or application to change/modify the façade material of a building?

Any substantial change to the façade of a building (e.g. a significant change to the openings or anything else that significantly affects the façade) requires a building permit. In a zoning district, a permit is required for any change to the façade material.

What kind of permit do I need to build a sauna building or “barrel sauna”?

Building a sauna building or sauna facilities in a dwelling always requires a building permit.

Do I need a permit to replace drains and water pipes ?

The need for a permit for the measures to be taken for HVAC work in a building is determined by the attached guideline.