Permit to demolish a building

Describe in the permit application, in detail, how the demolition work will be organised and the building waste managed and whether usable components and parts can still be reused. Submit the permit application to the municipal building supervisory authority.

Apply for the demolition permit primarily through the online permit service. If you cannot use online services, apply for a demolition permit using the building/action form (please note that a scanning fee is added to the costs of applications sent in paper form). If you also intend to demolish, for example, household buildings, remember to apply for a permit for all the buildings to be demolished at the same time.

Find out in advance that the building or its part that will be demolished is not of historical or architectural value or in an area where cultural historical or landscape values may affect the granting of a demolition permit and contact the supervisory control of building if necessary.

Notify the neighbours of submitting the demolition permit. 'Neighbour' refers to owners and titleholders of adjacent or opposite properties or other areas. If necessary, building supervisors define which neighbours are to be informed and heard (such as a neighbour behind a narrow park area). In particular, inform neighbours whose living environment may be affected (such as the scenery).

Attach to your application a report on the treatment of construction waste and the utilisation of usable building elements as well as the application and consent of the foreman responsible for demolition work.

For more information and advice, use the e-service or contact the customer service for supervisory control of building. Follow the instructions and acquire all attachments.

When demolishing buildings, take into account the provisions of the Land Use and Building Act and Decree.

Do not start the demolition work until the permit decision is legally valid after the 14 days appeal period. Notify the supervisory control of building of the start of work. In demolition work, take into account any requirements arising from asbestos work (legislation on asbestos).

No permit is required if it is stated in a valid building permit or another decision issued by the authorities that the building must be demolished. Neither is a permit required for the demolition of an outbuilding or any other minor building, unless the building can be considered to be historically or architecturally important.

If the entrepreneur has established itself in another country in the European Economic Area and temporarily offers services in Finland, the same permits are required as from entrepreneurs established in Finland.

A prerequisite for granting the permit is that the demolition does not destroy the heritage, beauty or other values related to built environment, nor does it interfere with the implementation of zoning.

You do not need a demolition permit if a valid building permit, a street plan in accordance with the Land Use and Building Act or an approved road plan in accordance with the Act on Public Roads require the demolition of a building.

In an area covered by a local detailed plan, a building or its part may not be demolished without a permit. The permit is granted by the municipal building supervisory authority. The demolition permit is also required for buildings outside an area covered by a local detailed plan if a building prohibition is in force or if it is so stated in the local master plan.

Even if no permit is required for the demolition, the municipal building supervisory authority must be notified of the demolition 30 days before the start of the work.