Slovenia to accelerate building permit issuance to 60 days

Slovenian Minister of the Interior and Public Administration, Franci Matoz, has announced significant changes aimed at accelerating the issuance of building permits. The new objective is to ensure permits are issued within 60 days of a complete application, with a goal to clear existing backlogs within one year.

To achieve this, authorities are implementing a more restrictive interpretation of existing construction laws regarding the participation of neighbors. Previously, owning an adjacent property often resulted in automatic involvement in the permit process. Under the new interpretation, neighbors will no longer be automatically included; they must demonstrate a specific legal interest or a direct infringement on their rights. The Minister noted that mere objections regarding a new building obstructing a view will no longer suffice.

Furthermore, the government intends to apply stricter scrutiny to the involvement of environmental non-governmental organizations in these procedures. These measures are designed to prevent the use of unfounded legal appeals and objections that have historically delayed construction projects for several years, thereby reducing investment costs and their subsequent impact on housing prices.