Issuer: Riigikogu
Type: seadus
In force from: 13.01.2022
In force until: 06.05.2022
Publication notation: RT V, 07.01.2022, 4

An Act to Implement the Building Code and the Planning Act

Passed 18.02.2015
RT I, 23.03.2015, 3
Entry into force 01.07.2015

Amended by the following acts
Passed - Published - Entry into force
11.06.2015 - RT I, 30.06.2015, 4 - 01.09.2015, partially 01.07.2015
09.06.2016 - RT I, 15.06.2016, 2 - 16.06.2016
07.12.2016 - RT I, 15.12.2016, 1 - 01.01.2017
14.06.2017 - RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 - 01.01.2018
14.06.2017 - RT I, 04.07.2017, 2 - 01.01.2018
06.06.2018 - RT I, 29.06.2018, 1 - 01.07.2018
30.01.2019 - RT I, 22.02.2019, 1 - 01.10.2019
17.06.2020 - RT I, 30.06.2020, 9 - 01.07.2020
15.12.2021 - RT I, 03.01.2022, 1 - 13.01.2022

§ 1. Proceedings regarding spatial plans whose preparation was initiated before the entry into force of this Act

(1) Proceedings regarding spatial plans whose preparation was initiated before the entry into force of this Act are completed in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act previously in force, except for the cases described in subsections 2 and 3 of this section.

(2) Subsection 5 of § 7 of the Planning Act previously in force does not apply when preparing a spatial plan for selecting the corridor of a linear construction work that runs through the territory of several local authorities.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 02.04.2015]

(3) Regardless of any proposals or objections made in the approving opinion concerning the spatial plan for selecting the corridor of a linear construction work that runs through the territory of several local authorities, the plan is deemed to have been approved if no reference is made in the opinion to the plan being contrary to an Act of the Riigikogu or the legislation enacted under such an Act.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 02.04.2015]

(4) Proceedings regarding detailed spatial plans that were initiated before the entry into force of this Act are completed at the latest by 1 July 2018.

(5) The authority arranging the preparation of the detailed spatial plan initiated before the entry into force of this Act may terminate the proceedings regarding the preparation of the plan if, under the Planning Act, the preparation of the detailed spatial plan is not mandatory.

§ 2. Validity of spatial plans in effect before the entry into force of this Act

() The spatial plans that were in effect before the entry into force of this Act remain effective after the entry into force of this Act.

§ 3. Obligation to review the national spatial plan in effect before the entry into force of this Act

() [Repealed – RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

§ 4. Obligation to review national and county-wide spatial plans in effect before the entry into force of this Act

() [RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]
The Ministry of Finance reviews the national and county-wide spatial plans in effect at the latest by 1 January 2020. As of 1 January 2020, review of national and county-wide spatial plans takes place at the time provided by the Planning Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

§ 5. Obligation to review comprehensive plans in effect before the entry into force of this Act

(1) Local authorities review comprehensive plans that were in effect before the entry into force of this Act at the latest by 1 January 2018.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

(1^1) The comprehensive plans of local authorities that merged in the framework of administrative reform are reviewed by the local authority that was formed as a result of the change in administrative-territorial organisation at the latest by 1 July 2018.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

(1^2) The time limit of local councils’ obligation, provided by the first sentence of subsection 1 of § 92 of the Planning Act, to review the comprehensive plan starts to run on 1 July 2018.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

(2) In addition to what is required under the provisions of the Planning Act concerning review of a comprehensive plan, an overview of any detailed spatial plans that alter the comprehensive plan is to be submitted to the Minister in charge of the policy sector. In the overview, the local authority presents its opinion on whether the comprehensive plan has been significantly altered by the detailed spatial plans and whether the comprehensive plan, as altered, remains an integral whole and is capable of implementation.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

(3) The Minister in charge of the policy sector, having received the opinion mentioned in subsection 2 of this section, may recommend that the local authority initiate the preparation of a new comprehensive plan if, in the minister's opinion, the comprehensive plan has been significantly altered by the detailed spatial plans.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

§ 6. Application of the Building Code and Planning Act to movables

() Where this is appropriate, the Building Code and the Planning Act also apply to construction works that constitute movable property.

§ 7. Validity and amendment of local building regulations

(1) Local building regulations that were in effect before the entry into force of this Act remain effective insofar as they are not contrary to the Planning Act, the Building Code and this Act.

(2) Local authorities review building regulations that were in effect before the entry into force of this Act and, where necessary, bring them into conformity with the provisions of the Planning Act, the Building Code and this Act at the latest within two years.

(3) If, before the entry into force of this Act, the character and location of civil engineering works that service a bathing beach have been determined in local building regulations, the building of such civil engineering works remains subject to those regulations.

(4) If, before the entry into force of this Act, the local building regulations provided a definition of the maximum authorised ground surface area to be occupied by buildings, the detailed spatial plans rendered effective before the entry into force of this Act are to be implemented following the definition provided in those regulations.

§ 8. Designation in a county-wide spatial plan of areas and instances in which the preparation of a detailed spatial plan is mandatory

(1) Where, at the time of entry into force of this Act, the county-wide spatial plan that is in effect contains designations of areas and determinations of instances in which the preparation of a detailed spatial plan is mandatory, these remain effective also after the entry into force of this Act.

(2) If, at the time of entry into force of this Act, no comprehensive plan is in effect, the areas and instances in which the preparation of a detailed spatial plan is mandatory may, where necessary, be designated in the county-wide spatial plan.

(3) In a situation mentioned in subsection 2 of this section, any areas designated and instances determined in the county-wide spatial plan as areas and instances in which the preparation of a detailed spatial plan is mandatory remain effective until the entry into effect of the comprehensive plan.

§ 9. Following a pre-selection of location in a county-wide spatial plan in effect

(1) Where a county-wide spatial plan has been drawn up in accordance with the Planning Act that was in force prior to the entry into force of this Act and such a plan determines the location of a construction work – or pre-selects or selects a such a location – under § 7, § 29^2  and § 34 of the Planning Act that was in force prior to the entry into force of this Act, a national special spatial plan provided for by the Planning Act may be drawn up based on the county-wide spatial plan such that the proceedings commence with the preparation of a detailed solution.
[RT I, 03.01.2022, 1 – entry into force 13.01.2022]

(2) A detailed solution to be prepared based on a pre-selection made in a county-wide spatial plan or on a thematic spatial plan under a county-wide spatial plan or on a partial county-wide spatial plan may only be prepared regarding construction works that are regulated in the Planning Act or in legislation enacted under it.

(3) The preparation of a detailed solution based on a pre-selection made in a county-wide spatial plan – or on a thematic spatial plan under a county-wide spatial plan or on a partial county-wide spatial plan – is permitted for up to ten years following the entry into force of this Act.

(3^1) Where the strategic impact assessment report of the environmental impact assessment of a county-wide spatial plan – in which a selection is made concerning a location in a situation mentioned in subsection 1 of this section – does not contain sufficient input data to allow a strategic environmental impact assessment report to be drawn up concerning a detailed solution, a strategic environmental impact assessment programme must be drawn up to carry out strategic assessment of the environmental impact of such a solution.
[RT I, 03.01.2022, 1 – entry into force 13.01.2022]

(4) Where a national special spatial plan is rendered effective based on a county-wide spatial plan or on a thematic spatial plan under a county-wide spatial plan or on a partial county-wide spatial plan, the effectiveness of the county-wide spatial plan is suspended in the area that falls within the planning area of the national special spatial plan.

(5) If a national special spatial plan is rendered effective based on a county-wide spatial plan or on a thematic spatial plan under a county-wide spatial plan or on a partial county-wide spatial plan, the partial county-wide spatial plan or the thematic spatial plan under a county-wide spatial plan is repealed insofar as the subject matter of those plans is dealt with in the national special spatial plan.

(6) Having regard to the provisions of this section, a national special spatial plan may also be drawn up based on a spatial plan determining the location of a construction work of national importance.

§ 10. Following a pre-selection of location in a comprehensive plan in effect

(1) Where a comprehensive plan has been drawn up in accordance with the Planning Act that was in force prior to the entry into force of this Act and such a plan determines the location of a construction work – or pre-selects or selects such a location – under § 8, § 29^2  and § 34 of the Planning Act that was in force prior to the entry into force of this Act, a local special spatial plan provided for by the Planning Act may be drawn up based on such a selection or on a thematic plan under the comprehensive plan or on a partial comprehensive plan such that the proceedings commence with the preparation of a detailed solution.
[RT I, 03.01.2022, 1 – entry into force 13.01.2022]

(2) A detailed solution to be prepared based on a pre-selection made in a comprehensive plan or on a thematic spatial plan under a comprehensive plan or on a partial comprehensive plan may only be prepared regarding construction works that are regulated in the Planning Act or in legislation enacted under it.

(3) The preparation of a detailed solution based on a pre-selection made in a comprehensive plan – or on a thematic spatial plan under a comprehensive plan or on a partial comprehensive plan – is permitted for up to ten years following the entry into force of this Act.

(3^1) Where the strategic impact assessment report of the environmental impact assessment of a comprehensive plan – in which a selection is made concerning a location in a situation mentioned in subsection 1 of this section – does not contain sufficient input data to allow a strategic environmental impact assessment report to be drawn up concerning a detailed solution, a strategic environmental impact assessment programme must be drawn up to carry out strategic assessment of the environmental impact of such a solution.
[RT I, 03.01.2022, 1 – entry into force 13.01.2022]

(4) Where a local special spatial plan is rendered effective based on a comprehensive plan or on a thematic spatial plan under a comprehensive plan or on a partial comprehensive plan, such a comprehensive plan or partial comprehensive plan or thematic spatial plan under the comprehensive plan is repealed insofar as the subject matter of those plans is dealt with in the local special spatial plan.

§ 11. Repeal in entirety of county-wide spatial plans in effect

(1) When preparing a new county-wide spatial plan, the thematic plans and partial spatial plans prepared under the county-wide spatial plan that was rendered effective previously are reviewed insofar as they deal with the same area of land; where necessary, the review extends also to any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact or concerning a construction work of national importance.

(2) When repealing the county-wide spatial plan in its entirety, a decision is made on whether to:
1) include, in the county-wide spatial plan to be prepared, any thematic plans and partial spatial plans prepared under the county-wide spatial plan to be repealed or any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact and any spatial plan concerning a construction work of national importance;
2) in accordance with the county-wide spatial plan to be prepared, partially repeal the thematic plans and partial spatial plans prepared under the county-wide spatial plan to be repealed, or partially repeal any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact or any spatial plan concerning a construction work of national importance, if those plans require amendment in relation to the county-wide spatial plan whose preparation proceedings are pending.

(3) When the county-wide spatial plan is repealed in its entirety, and a new county-wide spatial plan enters into effect, any thematic plans and partial spatial plans, or any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact and any spatial plan concerning a construction work of national importance, that have been rendered effective previously in respect of the same area of land are suspended.

(4) The repealing of a county-wide spatial plan in its entirety proceeds in cooperation with the government agencies in whose area of government the issues raised by the repeal fall; in a situation provided for by clause 2 of subsection 2 of this section, the relevant authorities and persons whose interests or rights may be affected by the repeal are invited to participate in the proceedings.

(5) A county-wide spatial plan that is in effect may not be contested insofar as it concerns the inclusion, in a new county-wide spatial plan, of any previously effective thematic plans and partial spatial plans, or spatial plans concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact or spatial plans concerning a construction work of national importance.

(6) This section applies also to the preparation of county-wide spatial plans under the Planning Act that was in force before the entry into force of this Act.

§ 11^1. Proceedings on county-wide spatial plans starting 1 January 2018

(1) Starting from 1 January 2018, proceedings on county-wide spatial plans that were initiated before 1 July 2015 will be completed by the Ministry of Finance and the adoption of the plan will be decided by the Minister in charge of the policy sector. The preparation of the county-wide spatial plan is exempted from the application of subsections 6 and 7 of § 23 of the Planning Act in force until 20 June 2015.

(2) Starting from 1 January 2018, proceedings on county-wide spatial plans that were initiated before 1 July 2015 will be completed by the Ministry of Finance and the adoption of the plans will be decided by the Government of the Republic. The preparation of the county-wide spatial plan is exempted from the application of subsection 4 of § 70 of the Planning Act.

(3) Starting from 1 January 2018, spatial plans of local authorities are to be ratified by the minister in charge of the policy sector. Ratification proceedings opened before that date are completed by the Ministry of Finance.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

§ 12. Repeal in entirety of comprehensive plans in effect

(1) When preparing a new comprehensive plan, the thematic plans and partial spatial plans prepared under the corresponding comprehensive plan are reviewed insofar as they deal with the same area of land; where necessary, the review extends also to any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact.

(2) When repealing a comprehensive spatial plan in its entirety, a decision is made on whether to:
1) include, in the comprehensive plan to be prepared, any thematic plans and partial spatial plans prepared under the comprehensive plan to be repealed or any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact;
2) in accordance with the comprehensive plan to be prepared, partially repeal the thematic plans and partial spatial plans prepared under the comprehensive plan to be repealed, or partially repeal any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact, if those plans require amendment in relation to the comprehensive plan whose preparation proceedings are pending.

(3) When the comprehensive plan is repealed in its entirety, and a new comprehensive plan enters into effect, any thematic plans and partial spatial plans, or any spatial plan concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact, that have been rendered effective previously in respect of the same land area are suspended.

(4) The repealing of the comprehensive plan in its entirety proceeds in cooperation with the government agencies in whose area of government the issues raised by the repeal fall; in a situation provided for by clause 2 of subsection 2 of this section, the relevant authorities and persons whose interests or rights may be affected by the repeal are invited to participate in the proceedings.

(5) The comprehensive plan that is in effect may not be contested insofar as it concerns the inclusion, in a new comprehensive plan, of any previously effective thematic plans and partial spatial plans, or any previously effective spatial plans concerning the selection of location for an object that has a significant spatial impact.

(6) This section applies also in a situation where a comprehensive plan is to be drawn up under the Planning Act that was in force before the entry into force of this Act.

§ 13. Effect of spatial plans concerning selection of the corridor of linear construction works that run through the territory of several local authorities

(1) The rendering effective of the county-wide spatial plan or comprehensive plan has no impact on the effect of spatial plans concerning selection of the corridor of linear construction works that run through the territory of several local authorities.

(2) Spatial plans concerning the selection of the corridor of linear construction works that run through the territory of several local authorities are regarded as national special spatial plans within the meaning of the Planning Act. In such a situation, the provisions of subsection 3 of § 53 of the Planning Act do not apply to the spatial plans concerning selection of the corridor of linear construction works that run through the territory of several local authorities.

(3) Building design documentation may be drawn up and the application for building permit may be submitted on the basis of the spatial plan concerning selection of the corridor of a linear construction work that runs through the territory of several local authorities provided that spatial plan has been prepared with a degree of detail sufficient for the drawing up of building design documentation.

(4) The spatial plan concerning selection of the corridor of a linear construction work that runs through the territory of several local authorities may be specified by means of issue of the design specifications mentioned in § 27 of the Building Code. In addition to the conditions set out in subsection 4 of § 27 of the Building Code, the location of the linear construction work may be specified within the part of the corridor determined in the plan for the linear construction work and its protection zone.

(5) The design specifications mentioned in subsection 4 of this section are issued by the authority to issue the building permit for the construction work to be constructed under the spatial plan concerning selection of the corridor of the linear construction work.

(6) Where, before the entry into force of this Act, the preparation of a spatial plan to pre-select the location of a linear construction work that runs through the territory of several local authorities has been initiated, and the plan is rendered effective after the entry into force of this Act, compulsory acquisition of immovables is authorized on the basis of the spatial plan for the linear construction work and of the preliminary design documentation or building design documentation of the road or railway.
[RT I, 29.06.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2018]

§ 14. Special rules regarding the obligation to prepare a national special spatial plan

(1) In a sea area, the preparation of a national special spatial plan is not mandatory in the case of construction works regulated in the Planning Act if the location of the construction work has been dealt with in the county-wide spatial plan whose preparation was initiated before the entry into force of this Act.

(2) The undersea cables to service the construction work mentioned in subsection 1 of this section are also exempt from the obligation to prepare a national special spatial plan.

§ 15. Owner of the land mentioned in subsection 2 of § 31 of the Land Reform Act

() [RT 30.06.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

(1) For the purposes of the Planning Act, the owner of the land mentioned in subsection 2 of § 31 of the Land Reform Act is the Ministry of the Environment or the person authorized by the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT 30.06.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

(2) For the purposes of the Building Code, the owner of the land mentioned in subsection 2 of § 31 of the Land Reform Act is the Land Board.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

§ 16. Authorisation to operate of persons pursuing certain activities before the entry into force of this Act and the qualification requirements for such persons

(1) Persons who, before the entry into force of the Building Code, were authorised to operate in the field of building work and whose required skills and knowledge are subject to the additional requirements set out in the Building Code, may continue to pursue their economic and professional activities subject to fulfilling the relevant preconditions in effect prior to the entry into force of the Building Code until the following dates:
1) 31 December 2016 in the field of architectural design;
2) 31 December 2017 in the fields of design work (with the exception of architectural design), expert assessment of building design documentation, site investigations, audits of construction works and owner supervision;
3) 30 June 2018 in the field of civil engineering.
[RT I, 15.06.2016, 2 – entry into force 16.06.2016]

(2) After the dates set out in subsection 1 of this section, the persons mentioned in that subsection may continue to operate subject to fulfilling the conditions provided in the Building Code.

(3) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 4 profession of civil engineer in buildings and structures, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 6 qualification of civil engineer that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management and owner supervision in the subspecialisation of the design and construction of buildings within the specialization of the engineering of buildings and structures.

(4) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 4 profession of civil engineer in hydrotechnical engineering, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 6 qualification of engineer in hydrotechnical engineering that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management and owner supervision in the subspecialisation of hydrotechnical engineering within the specialization of environmental engineering and utility systems of buildings.

(5) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 4 profession of civil engineer in the specialization of sanitary engineering, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 6 qualification of sanitary engineer that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management and owner supervision in the subspecialisation of sanitary engineering within the specialization of environmental engineering and utility systems of buildings.

(6) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 4 profession of civil engineer in the specialization of heating and ventilation, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 6 qualification of heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineer that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management and owner supervision in the subspecialisation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineering within the specialization of environmental engineering and utility systems of buildings.

(7) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 5 profession of diploma civil engineer in buildings and structures, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 7 qualification of diploma civil engineer that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management, owner supervision and design work in the subspecialisation of the design and construction of buildings within the specialization of the engineering of buildings and structures.

(8) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 5 profession of diploma civil engineer in hydrotechnical engineering, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 7 qualification of diploma engineer in hydrotechnical engineering that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management, owner supervision and design work in the subspecialisation of hydrotechnical engineering within the specialization of environmental engineering and utility systems of buildings.

(9) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 5 profession of diploma civil engineer in the specialization of sanitary engineering, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 7 qualification of diploma sanitary engineer that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management, owner supervision and design work in the subspecialisation of the sanitation of buildings and outdoor sanitation within the specialization of environmental engineering and utility systems of buildings.

(10) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 5 profession of diploma civil engineer in the specialization of heating and ventilation, is deemed to hold the corresponding Level 7 qualification of diploma heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineer that is valid until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activities of project management, building work management, owner supervision and design work in the subspecialisation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineering within the specialization of environmental engineering and utility systems of buildings.

(11) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a Level 3 qualification in the profession of construction site manager, is deemed to hold a Level 6 qualification of civil engineer or a Level 6 qualification of sanitary engineer or a Level 6 qualification as heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineer for the occupational activity of owner supervision within the limits of the competence indicated on the professional standard and professional certificate of construction site manager, with a validity period that extends until the end of the term indicated on the professional certificate.

(12) With respect to the audit of electrical work or of electrical installations, the qualifications of the competent person may also be proved by means of a certificate of competence issued by an accredited personnel certification agency, provided the certificate is valid and has been issued under the certification scheme established under the Electrical Safety Act that was in force before the entry into force of this Code, or under a subsequent certification scheme that conforms to the previous scheme.

(13) A natural person who, at the time of entry into force of the Building Code, held a valid certificate of competence or authorisation to operate under the Roads Act, and regarding whose qualification the Building Code establishes additional requirements may continue to pursue the professional activities corresponding to that certificate or authorisation until 30 June 2018 subject to fulfilling the preconditions that were hitherto in effect.

(14) A natural person who, at the time of entry into force of the Building Code, held a valid certificate of competence or authorisation to operate under the Roads Act, and regarding whose qualification the Building Code does not establish any additional requirements may continue to pursue the professional activities corresponding to that certificate or authorisation until the expiration of the term of validity of the certificate or authorisation.

(15) After the end of the time limit mentioned in subsections 13 and 14 of this section, a natural person may pursue their professional activities subject to fulfilling the conditions provided in the Building Code.

(16) The notification obligation provided by § 25 of the Building Code is deemed to have been fulfilled at the time of entry into force of the Building Code if, under the law that was in force at the time of entry into force of the Building Code, the undertaking had complied with the notification obligation or held a valid authorisation to operate.

(17) Any person who, on 1 July 2014, held a IV profession of civil engineer in buildings and structures or in hydrotechnical engineering or in water supply and sanitation and who is registered in the register of economic activities as an authorised specialist for the area of activity of design work in the corresponding specialization, is deemed competent to act as the authorised specialist in the specialization of the engineering of buildings and structures, in hydrotechnical engineering or in sanitary engineering until 30 June 2019 for the occupational activity of design work within the sphere of competence of the IV profession of civil engineer.

§ 17. Calculation of the volume of construction works predating the entry into force of this Act

() The data used to calculate the volume of construction works predating the entry into force of this Act are those recorded in the Register of Construction Works after the entry into force of the Building Act.

§ 18. Applications for written approval and for building permit submitted before the entry into force of this Act

(1) Where, before the entry into force of this Act, an application for written approval or for a building permit has been submitted concerning a construction work or concerning building work that, under the Building Code, are not subject to the building permit requirement or that requires the filing of the building notice, the competent authority terminates the corresponding proceedings without issuing the building permit.

(2) Where, under the Building Code, the filing of a building notice is required, the notice is deemed to have been filed by means of an earlier application for written approval or for a building permit.

§ 19. Applications for use and occupancy permit submitted before the entry into force of this Act

(1) Where, before the entry into force of this Act, an application for use and occupancy permit has been submitted concerning a construction work that, under the Building Code, is not subject to the use and occupancy permit requirement or that requires the filing of the use and occupancy notice, the competent authority terminates the corresponding proceedings without issuing the use and occupancy permit.

(2) If, under the Building Code, the filing of the use and occupancy notice is required, the notice is deemed to have been filed by means of the earlier application for use and occupancy permit.

§ 20. Validity of building permits or use and occupancy permits and of written approvals

(1) Any building permits issued before the entry into force of this Act have an unlimited period of validity, provided the corresponding building work commenced before the entry into force of this Act.

(2) Any written approvals issued before the entry into force of this Act have an unlimited period of validity, provided the corresponding building work commences within two years following the entry into force of this Act.

(3) Any use and occupancy permits issued before the entry into force of this Act have an unlimited period of validity.

§ 21. Exemption from the permit or notification requirement

(1) Where, before the entry into force of this Act, a construction work was exempt from the requirement to hold a building permit or written approval, and the building of such a construction work has commenced, the completion of the building of the construction work is permitted within two years following the entry into force of this Act.

(2) Where the building of a construction work is not completed within two years following the entry into force of this Act, the building notice must be filed or building permit applied for as required under the Building Code.

(3) Where, before the entry into force of this Act, a construction work was exempt from the requirement of the use and occupancy permit, and the use and occupancy of such a construction work has commenced, the use and occupancy of the construction work is permitted without the filing of the use and occupancy notice or without a use and occupancy permit.

§ 22. Compulsory acquisition under spatial plans that are in effect and that envisage the construction of public roads and public railways

() Compulsory acquisition of registered immovables for the construction of public roads and public railways is authorised if required under the comprehensive plans that were rendered effective before the entry into force of this Act, and under the preliminary or principal building design documentation prepared on the basis of such comprehensive plans. Where the preliminary or principal building design documentation concerning the road or railway has been prepared on the basis of a county-wide spatial plan or a spatial plan for selecting a location for the corridor of a linear construction work that crosses the territory of several local authorities, and the county-wide spatial plan or the spatial plan for selecting the a location for the linear construction work was rendered effective before the entry into force of this Act, compulsory acquisition of registered immovables for the construction of public roads and public railways is authorised if required under the corresponding spatial plan in effect and under the preliminary or principal building design documentation prepared on the basis of that plan.

§ 23. Requirements for existing construction works

(1) A construction work built before the entry into force of this Act must be safe.

(2) A construction work built before the entry into force of the Planning and Building Act lawfully within the meaning of the Law of Property Act Implementation Act may be used and occupied in accordance with the purpose of use provided in respect of that construction work.

(3) Where, after 1 January 2009, a building undertaking delivers to the party that commissioned the building work a building with indoor climate control or a part of such building that may be used separately, and the building or part of building was designed, or the building permit in respect of the building or part of the building was issued, before 1 January 2009, the building undertaking is not required to deliver to the commissioning party the energy performance certificate.

(4) Where a use and occupancy permit is issued, or a use an occupancy notice is filed, in respect of a building with indoor climate control whose building permit was issued before 1 January 2009, the issuing of the use and occupancy permit is not subject to the requirement of presenting the energy performance certificate, and the certificate is not required to be enclosed with the use and occupancy notice.

(5) Where the energy performance certificate has been issued before 9 January 2013 as a paper document, the person who transfers the corresponding building with indoor climate control or a part of such building that can be used separately, delivers that certificate to the acquiring party, or makes it possible for the party who is interested in purchasing, for consideration, the building or part of the building, or who is interested in obtaining the right to use and occupy the building or part of the building, to peruse the certificate.

§ 24. Private roads designated as public roads

() Any contracts concluded under subsection 3 of § 4 of the Roads Act remain valid until expiration.

§ 25. Proceedings regarding applications for superficies licence submitted before the entry into force of this Act

(1) Proceedings regarding applications for a superficies licence filed before the entry into force of this Act are completed in accordance with the legislation in force at the time of the filing. Subsection 4 of § 222 and clauses 5 and 8 of subsection 1 of § 223 of the Water Act are applied also to applications for superficies licence filed before the entry into force of this Act.
[RT I, 22.02.2019, 1 - entry into force 01.10.2019]

(2) Proceedings regarding applications for a superficies licence filed before the entry into force of this Act are transferred to the Technical Regulatory Authority at the latest by 31 December 2015.

(3) [Repealed − RT I, 22.02.2019, 1 − entry into force 01.10.2019]

§ 26. Verification and systematization of the information in the Register of Construction Works and the implementation of electronic procedures

(1) The information in the Register of Construction Works is to be verified and systematized by 1 January 2020.

(2) In the course of the verification and systematization, any construction works that were hitherto not recorded in the Register of Construction Works are to be recorded in that register.

(3) Up-to-date orthophotographs are to be used as the basis for recording a building in the Register of Construction Works. The construction work’s ground projection area and coordinates are recorded in the Register of Construction Works from the orthophotographs.

(4) The particulars obtained from the orthophotographs are compared to the information in the Register of Construction Works and the need for further scrutiny is ascertained.

(5) The provisions of the Building Code concerning the electronic submission, via the Register of Construction Works, of documents to the competent authority, concerning electronic conduct of permit proceedings via that register, and concerning the issue of permits in the register are applied starting 1 April 2016.

(6) Until 1 April 2016, any building notices and use and occupancy notices, applications for design specifications, building permit, use and occupancy permit and the related documents are submitted to the competent authority. The competent authority records the information contained in the applications for building permit and for use and occupancy permit, in the building notices and use and occupancy notices, and in the building permits and use and occupancy permits in the Register of Construction Works.

(7) The information recorded in the Register of Construction Works through 31 March 2016 has informational and statistical significance.

§ 27. Discovery of construction works that have been built before the entry into force of this Act and that are not recorded in the Register of Construction Works

(1) The local authority scrutinises construction works that have hitherto not been recorded in the Register of Construction Works. In scrutinising such construction works, the local authority follows regulatory enforcement provisions enacted by the Law Enforcement Act and the Building Code.

(2) In the course of the scrutiny, the following particulars are ascertained above all:
1) the legal basis for the building of the construction work;
2) the ground projection area of the construction work;
3) the purpose of use of the construction work;
4) the time of building of the construction work;
5) where necessary, the information related to any earlier renovation, extension or demolition of the construction work;
6) where necessary, the particulars related to a survey of dwelling units;
7) any other facts that have significance in the context of the regulatory enforcement proceedings.

(3) If the owner of the construction work does not provide sufficient evidence of the time of building of the construction work, that construction work is presumed to have been built after the entry into force of the Building Act.

(4) Based on the results of the scrutiny, the local authority decides on the need for further regulatory enforcement measures or for the gathering of additional information.

(5) Any technical infrastructure built before 1 April 1999 is deemed to be built lawfully regardless of the absence of particulars concerning that infrastructure or the lack of certain particulars in the Register of Construction Works.

§ 28. Construction works whose building predates the entry into force of the Building Act

(1) A building permit or use and occupancy permit may be issued to a construction work built before 1 January 2003, or the building, or use and occupancy, of the construction work may be deemed notified, having regard to the provisions of the Building Code without prejudice to the special rules provided in this section. A building permit or use and occupancy permit may be issued to such construction works mentioned in subsection 1 of this section, or the building, or use and occupancy, of such construction works may be deemed notified, in accordance with Annex 1 or 2 of the Building Code.

(2) If the construction work mentioned in subsection 1 of this section is not complete, where necessary, a building permit is issued to that construction work or a building notice is filed in respect of the construction work. If the relevant construction work is complete and there is no need to perform any work that is subject to the building permit or building notice requirement, the use and occupancy permit may be issued or the use and occupancy notice filed in accordance with Annex 2 of the Building Code.

(3) If a construction work that has not been recorded in the Register of Construction Works has been granted a legal basis that is in accordance with the Building and Planning Act or the Building Act and that permits the building or use and occupancy of the construction work, that construction work is recorded in the Register of Construction Works on the basis of the notice to submit information to that register, which is provided for in subsection 5 of § 60 of the Building Code.

(4) In assessing the lawfulness of the building of a construction work, the provisions of § 14 of the Law of Property Act Implementation Act must be followed.

(5) Any construction work that is mentioned in subsection 1 of this section and that is being used and occupied at the time of entry into force of this Act must conform to the requirements established in respect of the safety of construction works. The safety of the construction work is assessed in accordance with the requirements effective at the time of construction of the construction work.

(6) The safety of the construction work is assessed on the basis of the building design documentation. In the absence of building design documentation, an audit of the construction work is performed to assess the safety of that construction work. For the purposes of proceedings concerning the issue of permits, or the filing of the required notices, the audit replaces the building design documentation. The audit is commissioned by the owner of the construction work.

(7) Any construction work that was built before 1 January 2003, that is being used and occupied at the time of entry into force of this Act and in respect of which the Register of Construction Works shows no entry must be recorded in that register.

§ 29. Construction works whose building predates the entry into force of this Act and which have not been recorded in the Register of Construction Works

(1) A building permit or use and occupancy permit may be issued to a construction work built after 1 January 2003 and before the entry into force of this Act, or the building, or use and occupancy, of the construction work may be deemed notified, having regard to the provisions of the Building Code without prejudice to the special rules provided in this section.

(2) A building permit or use and occupancy permit may be issued to the construction works mentioned in subsection 1 of this section, or the building, or use and occupancy, of these construction works may be deemed notified, in accordance with Annex 1 or 2 of the Building Code. If the construction work mentioned in subsection 1 of this section is not complete, where necessary, a building permit is issued to that construction work or a building notice is filed in respect of the construction work. If the relevant construction work is complete and there is no need to perform any work that is subject to the building permit or building notice requirement, the use and occupancy permit may be issued or the use and occupancy notice filed in accordance with Annex 2 of the Building Code.

(3) Any construction work that is mentioned in subsection 1 of this section and that is being used and occupied at the time of entry into force of this Act must conform to the requirements set out in subsection 2 of § 11 and in § 12 of the Building Code.

(4) Where, at the time of building of the construction work, the existence of a detailed spatial plan was required in order to draw up building design documentation, the local authority may substitute the issue of the design specifications provided for in § 26 of the Building Code for the detailed spatial plan. The design specifications are issued by means of open proceedings.

(5) Where, because of contravention of the comprehensive plan or other conditions emanating from a significant public interest, it is not possible to issue the design specifications, a detailed spatial plan must be prepared in accordance with the Planning Act.

(6) The safety of the construction work is assessed on the basis of the building design documentation. In the absence of building design documentation, an audit of the construction work is performed to assess the safety of that construction work. As a result of the audit, it must be possible to record, in the Register of Construction Works, the significant technical information concerning the construction work and, where necessary, ascertain whether the construction work is in conformity to the detailed spatial plan or the design specifications. The audit is commissioned by the owner of the construction work.

(7) Based on the results of the audit, the local authority decides on the need for additional measures of regulatory enforcement, having regard, above all, to the following:
1) compliance with the requirements established for construction works, including the possibility of manifestation of a significant or heightened danger;
2) the time of building of the construction work;
3) the purpose of use of the construction work;
4) protection of the rights and interests of the owner of the registered immovable and, where necessary, of the owners of the adjacent registered immovables.

(8) If the audit mentioned in subsection 6 of this section ascertains the need to renovate or demolish the construction work, or other such need, the local authority issues an enforcement order requiring the construction work to be brought into conformity with the requirements.

(9) The maximum amount of the compulsory payment that may be imposed in order to compel performance of the obligations mentioned in subsections 6 and 8 of this section is 10,000 euro for natural persons and 100,000 euro for legal persons.

§ 30. Protection zone of existing buildings

() The protection zone of construction works that exist at the time of entry into force of this Act is recorded in the Land Cadastre at the latest by the year 2020.

§ 30^1. Facilitation of deployment of high-speed electronic communications networks

(1) The network operator effects the initial determination of the area of interest mentioned in subsection 2 of § 61^3  of the Building Code at the latest by 1 April 2017. An initial determination of the area of interest is deemed to have been made also where particulars concerning the protection zone of the construction work have been recorded in the Land Cadastre.

(2) The provisions of §§ 61^4 –61^6  of the Building Code are applied starting 1 May 2017.

(3) The obligation provided by subsections 1 and 3 of § 61^8  of the Building Code is applied to buildings in respect of which a building notice is presented or whose building permit is applied for starting from 1 April 2017.
[RT I, 15.12.2016, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2017]

§ 30^2. Implementation of requirements provided for by § 65^1  of the Building Code

(1) The requirements concerning installation of charging infrastructure, provided by § 65^1  of the Building Code, do not apply:
1) to a building in respect of which the application for a building permit for erecting the building or for undertaking a major renovation of the building, or a building notice notifying the erection of the building or the undertaking of a major renovation in respect of the building, was filed before 10 March 2021;
2) to a building in respect of which the application for a building permit for undertaking a major renovation of the building, or a building notice notifying such renovation, was filed on or after 10 March 2021, but the cost of the work related to the installation of the charging infrastructure exceeds seven percent of the total cost of the major renovation;
3) to a building in whose car park charging infrastructure has been installed due to the requirements provided for by Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (OJ L 307, 128.10.2014, pp. 1–20);
4) to a non-residential building owned and used by a small or medium-sized enterprise within the meaning of Commission Regulation (EU) 651/2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (OJ L 187, 26.06.2014, pp. 1–78);
5) if the charging infrastructure to be installed is located in a micro isolated network within the meaning of the Electricity Market Act or
6) if the installation of the charging infrastructure interferes with the operation of the existing electricity network and jeopardises the stability of the supply of electricity.

(2) The charging station provided for in subsection 7 of § 65^1  of the Building Code is to be installed by 1 January 2025 and the requirement in question also applies to non-residential buildings to erect which an application for a building permit, or a building notice, has been filed before 1 July 2020.
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 9 – entry into force 01.07.2020]

§ 30^3. Implementation of requirements for the renovation support measure provided for by § 65^2  of the Building Code

() The obligation provided for by § 65^2  of the Building Code applies to renovation support measures that enter into effect after 10 June 2020.
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 9 – entry into force 01.07.2020]

§ 30^4. Implementation of requirements for utility systems provided for by § 69^1  of the Building Code

(1) The requirement provided for by subsection 7 of § 69^2  of the Building Code, to furnish the heating system of a building to be erected with self-regulation equipment, applies to buildings in respect of which the application for a building permit has been filed after 1 July 2020.

(2) The assessment, in respect of a building in existence as of 1 July 2020, of the energy performance of its heating or cooling system, provided for by subsection 2 of § 69^3  of the Building Code, is performed when issuing its energy performance certificate or by 1 January 2025.

(3) By 1 January 2025, an automation system is to be installed in order to improve the energy performance of a non-residential building’s heating or cooling system that is in existence as of 1 July 2020, or an assessment is to be provided stating that the installation of such an automation system is technically not feasible or is not economically justified.
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 9 – entry into force 01.07.2020]

§ 30^5. Application of subsection 2^1  of § 131 of the Planning Act

() The rules mentioned in subsection 2^1  of § 131 of the Planning Act are enacted by the local authority at the latest on 1 November 2022.
[RT I, 03.01.2022, 1 – entry into force 13.01.2022]

§ 31. Repeal of Acts

() The following Acts are hereby repealed:
1) the Building Act;
2) the Planning Act (RT I 2002, 99, 579);
3) the Roads Act.

§ 32.  –  § 73.  Provisions concerning amendment of other Acts – omitted from this translation.



§ 74. Entry into force of Acts

(1) The Building Code, the Planning Act and this Act enter into force on 1 July 2015.

(2) Subsections 2 and 3 of § 1 of this Act enter into force following regular rules.