Local Government Organisations (LGO) endorse the expansion of the fast-track building licensing procedure to encompass medium-risk projects but have expressed concerns over the insufficient number of building inspectors.

The leaders fear that their organisations might encounter increased duties amidst existing workforce shortages.

The Ministry of the Interior has attempted to alleviate these concerns, attributing them to a lack of proper information.

Persistent Staffing Challenges

Constantinos Yiorkadjis, head of the Nicosia LGO, emphasized the critical need for hiring building inspectors. Without these appointments, LGOs might have to conduct inspections themselves, despite their current staffing difficulties. In the absence of designated inspectors, LGOs will oversee these inspections.

Yiorkadjis remains optimistic regarding the ministerial decree, seeing it as a significant move forward. He is hopeful that with adequate staffing across all departments, the new procedure will be highly efficient.

He praised the initiative, which aims to process permits within 80 working days, transition inspections from paperwork to on-site evaluations, and involve building inspectors in collaboration with ETEK.

Final Approval by LGOs

Angelos Hadjicharalambous, head of the Larnaca LGO, stated that project planners are now expected to ensure their applications are complete before submission via the “Hippodamus” system, accompanied by a special declaration form.

However, the final decision rests with LGOs, as they must assess all applications prior to issuing permits.

Hadjicharalambous noted that appointing building inspectors would lessen the burden on LGOs, allowing them to focus more on substantial projects previously managed by older authorities.

Positive Impact on Housing and Economy

Polys Kourousides, leader of the Cyprus Valuers Association, pointed out the economic benefits of the new rules, suggesting they will enhance the housing market and help maintain stable property prices.

The process includes two inspections by building inspectors and a concluding one by LGOs, ensuring compliance with regulations while freeing LGOs to handle more complex undertakings.

Temporary Register by ETEK

Margarita Kyriakou, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, stated that legislative approval is needed to appoint building inspectors. In the interim, ETEK will establish a temporary registry of members to conduct site inspections for a limited period.

With the new permitting process slated to commence at the end of March, there is no immediate pressure for inspections. Concerns about LGOs managing inspections were dismissed as misunderstandings.

She further confirmed that planning permits are currently being processed, with building permits following by month’s end, alongside the temporary registry by ETEK.