What you need to legalise a building

Legalisation — the formalisation of an unlawfully built structure — is the process of obtaining a decision on the as-built state for an existing building. The procedure is run by the competent administrative body, and orderly documentation is key to a successful outcome.

What is usually submitted

• A geodetic survey (as-built survey) by a licensed surveyor.
• An architectural as-built survey prepared by a licensed designer.
• Proof of the time of construction (e.g. aerial imagery, invoices, statements).
• Proof of legal status on the land.

The procedure

After the application is submitted, the competent body reviews the documentation and, if everything is in order, issues the decision on the as-built state. The scope of required documentation depends on the size and complexity of the building.