Poland suspends penalties for delayed building permits

A 2026 amendment to Poland's spatial planning law will suspend the daily 500‑zloty fines imposed on municipalities for late issuance of building permits (warunki zabudowy). From 1 July 2026, any pending proceedings to levy such penalties will be terminated.

The change responds to a surge in permit applications after municipalities were required to adopt general land‑use plans, which had clogged offices. While the reform relieves local governments, experts warn it removes a key enforcement tool for landowners, leaving them unable to compel timely decisions.

The legislation was reported by Rzeczpospolita and explained by Dr Agnieszka Grabowska‑Toś of Kania Stachura Toś law firm.