The Cypriot government announced an expansion of its streamlined development licensing process to include construction permits for low-risk Category A developments, aiming to significantly reduce approval times. Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, shared details during a press conference on Thursday.

The revised process introduces a specialized checklist to be submitted by private project consultants alongside applications. The licensing procedure is divided into two stages:

1. Urban Planning Certificate: Issued within 20 working days after submission. If not processed within this period, approval is granted automatically on the 21st day.

2. Construction Permit: Granted within another 20 working days, with a total timeline of 40 working days from initial submission to approval.

This approach seeks to reduce delays, with construction allowed to commence within 80 working days for combined urban planning and building permit processes.

The new system was piloted in October 2024 for Category A developments, which include residential projects with up to two units. To date:

• 147 applications have been submitted.

• 76 have been processed, with 63 approved and 13 rejected.

• The remaining 71 applications are under review within the 20-day window.

The full rollout for construction permits is expected by late January 2025, following system adjustments.

The changes are part of a broader reform launched 14 months ago, aiming to modernize Cyprus's development licensing processes and align them with the vision for improved citizen services. Key steps include:

• Developing standardized guidelines for consistent evaluation across all districts.

• Implementing a "fast-track" review process emphasizing self-certification by private consultants.

• Shifting from document-based reviews to on-site inspections at three critical stages of construction.

Ioannou emphasized the dual benefits of the reforms: expediting licensing and ensuring stricter compliance through on-site checks.

The system will expand to Category B developments by March 2025, encompassing projects of up to 12 housing units or apartment buildings with a maximum of 20 units. These projects, too, will benefit from the streamlined checklist-based approach.

The "Hippodamos" digital platform underpins the new system, facilitating efficiency and reducing environmental impacts by minimizing travel and paperwork. The government plans to free up resources within the District Administrative Organizations to focus on larger, more complex projects.