To address a backlog of approximately 5,000 building permit applications, a new Ministerial Decree came into effect. The decree enables fast-track approval for low-risk housing developments (Category A) involving up to two residential units, provided the applications were submitted before July 1, 2024, and are still pending review.

In an official announcement, the Ministry of Interior stated that under this decree, developers of such projects can complete a special "Consultant's Declaration Form" (checklist) and submit it to the relevant District Administration Office (DAO). The DAO is required to review and either approve or reject the application within two working days.

According to the Ministry, this measure serves as a transitional step under the framework of the new development licensing system. It precedes the implementation of a revamped process for examining and issuing building permits for low-risk developments.

“The goal is to alleviate the DAOs of approximately 5,000 pending Category A building permit applications submitted before July 1, 2024, which have already secured planning permits,” the Ministry noted.

As part of the broader reform of the licensing system, streamlined and automated procedures are being introduced for the review of both planning and building applications. These procedures include the concept of self-assessment, where consultants take full responsibility for the accuracy of their submissions.

The new system was partially implemented on October 2, 2024, starting with the issuance of planning permits for single-family homes and duplexes. Full implementation for building permits is scheduled for late January 2025.

Under this streamlined practice, the necessary permits for low-risk developments will be issued within 40 working days, significantly reducing delays and speeding up the commencement of construction work.

The Ministry also announced that by March 2025, the rapid licensing process will be extended to medium-risk developments (Category B). These include four-story apartment buildings with up to 20 units and row housing developments with up to 12 units. Applications for Category B will follow a similar process, requiring consultants to submit a checklist, and permits will be issued within 80 working days, further facilitating development efforts.

A major innovation in the reform is the introduction of the "Construction Auditor" role. This involves transferring field inspections to construction sites at three stages of building progress to detect and prevent irregularities from the outset.