A new package of three laws from the Croatian construction and spatial planning sector officially entered into force at the beginning of the year, bringing significant changes to the way building permits are issued and space management.
The most significant change affects those who plan to build family homes. According to the new Building Act, obtaining a building permit should now be much faster and simpler.
According to Mario Todorić from the Croatian Chamber of Civil Engineers and the Croatian Center for Earthquake Engineering, about 90 percent of building permits in Croatia refer to single-family homes.
“For less complex buildings, the building permit can now be issued solely on the basis of the initial project,” Todorić told HRT, adding that this will significantly reduce the administrative burden on public bodies.
In many cases, permits will now be issued within 30 days, a major improvement over previous procedures. The procedure for obtaining a use permit is also simplified. At the same time, the law introduces strict penalties for violations. Fines for illegal construction can range from 20,000 to 30,000 euros, which the authorities consider a significant reduction in illegal construction.
While the Law on Construction was widely welcomed, the Law on Spatial Planning caused even more debate.
The ministry says the law is designed to better protect space and prevent uncontrolled development. One of the key changes is the introduction of mandatory professional studies before any changes to spatial plans can be made, Indikator ba writes.
“There can be no changes to spatial plans without prior preparation of expert documentation,” said State Secretary Tonči Glavinić from the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and State Property.
Another important change aims to prevent the unnecessary expansion of construction zones, which, according to the Ministry, will better protect Croatia’s natural and urban environment.
After 11 years of absence, the concept of consolidating city land was reintroduced. The measure caused different reactions in the professional community.
Hrvoje Vidović, chairman of the Committee for Urban Planning of the Croatian Chamber of Architects, welcomed the move, saying that fragmented land ownership has long limited quality urban planning.
“Without consolidating urban land, we are prisoners of complicated cadastral relations, and plans cannot achieve the quality they should,” said Vidović. However, concerns about centralization remain. Critics argue that some planning processes can bypass local authorities, despite their direct impact on residents.
“All spatial interventions affect local communities in one way or another, but the law gives too much power to the central authorities,” warned Vidović.
The third law in the package focuses on energy efficiency in buildings and introduces ambitious climate targets. From January 1, 2028, all new public buildings in Croatia must be designed and built with zero emissions. This requirement will be extended to all new private buildings from January 1, 2030. In addition, the Ministry is required to prepare a national energy renovation plan for buildings by the end of the year, setting the direction for future upgrades to the Croatian building stock.
