In a recent update, a new package of three laws in construction in Croatia as well as spatial planning sector has gone on to officially come into force at the start of 2026, thereby bringing some major changes to the way building permits are being issued along with space management.
The most prominent change affects those who have plans to build family homes. As per the new Building Act, availing a building permit should now go on to be much faster as well as simpler.
As per the Croatian Chamber of Civil Engineers and the Croatian Center for Earthquake Engineering’s Mario Todorić, around 90% of building permits in Croatia go on to refer to single-family homes.
Todorić, who told HRT that when it comes to less complex buildings, the building permit can now get issued only on the basis of the initial project, hence adding that this is going to quite significantly decrease the administrative burden when it comes to public bodies.
In multiple cases, permits are going to now be issued in 30 days, which is indeed quite a major upgrade as compared to previous procedures. The procedure in terms of obtaining a use permit is also simplified. Simultaneously, the law brings to the fore certain stringent penalties in case of violations. Fines pertaining to illegal construction can go on to be between 20,000 and 30,000 euros, which, according to the authorities, could lead to a significant decrease in illegal construction.
While new package of three laws in Construction has been pretty widely welcomed, the Law on Spatial Planning has been a cause of more debate.
The ministry opines that the law is crafted to better safeguard the space and also prevent any uncontrolled development. One of the major changes is the introduction of mandatory professional studies before any sort of changes to spatial plans can now be made, writes Indikator.
Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and State Property’s State Secretary Tonči Glavinić Said that there can be no alterations to spatial plans without any kind of prior preparation in terms of expert documentation. Another significant change looks forward to preventing any unnecessary expansion when it comes to construction zones, which, as per the Ministry, is going to better protect the natural and urban environment of Croatia.
After 11 years of absence, the concept of consolidating city land has been reintroduced. The measure has gone on to cause quite varied reactions within the professional community.
The chairman of the Committee for Urban Planning of the Croatian Chamber of Architects, Hrvoje Vidović has welcomed the move, stating that the fragmented land ownership has for a long time limited quality urban planning.
Notably, the third law in the package stresses energy efficiency within buildings and also introduces certain ambitious climate objectives. Right from January 1, 2028, all the new public buildings across Croatia have to be designed and also be built with zero emissions. This need is going to be extended to all novel private buildings from January 1, 2030. Besides, the Ministry is required to come up with a national energy renovation plan pertaining to buildings by the end of 2026, thereby setting direction for any future upgrades to Croatian building stock.
