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Concerns Over Fast-Track Licensing
Local Government Organisations (LGOs) support extending the fast-track building permit process to medium-risk projects. However, they are worried about the lack of building inspectors to handle additional responsibilities.
Staffing Challenges in LGOs
Nicosia LGO President, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, highlighted the urgent need for building inspectors. If they are not appointed soon, LGOs will have to conduct inspections themselves, despite already struggling with staffing shortages.
Yiorkadjis remains optimistic about the new regulations. He believes that with proper staffing, the system will work efficiently. The plan includes permit approvals within 80 working days, shifting from paperwork to physical inspections, and involving inspectors in collaboration with ETEK.
Final Approval Still Lies with LGOs
Larnaca LGO President, Angelos Hadjicharalambous, explained that designers will now be responsible for submitting complete applications via the “Ippodamus” system. However, LGOs will still have the final authority to review and approve permits.
He emphasized that hiring building inspectors would ease LGOs’ workload, allowing them to focus on larger projects inherited from previous administrations.
Positive Impact on Housing and Economy
Polys Kourousides, President of the Cyprus Valuers Association, believes the new process will benefit the housing market by increasing supply and stabilizing property prices.
Under the revised system, building inspectors will conduct two inspections, while LGOs will handle the final approval. This will ensure compliance with regulations while helping LGOs focus on complex projects.
Temporary Inspector Register by ETEK
Interior Ministry spokesperson, Margarita Kyriakou, explained that appointing building inspectors requires legal approval. Until then, ETEK will create a temporary register to oversee site inspections.
As the new permitting process begins in late March, there will be no immediate need for inspections. Kyriakou reassured LGOs that concerns about conducting inspections themselves were due to misinformation. She confirmed that planning permits are already in progress, and building permits will follow by the end of the month.
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Source: Cyprus Property News
