The four stages
They follow on, and each may be extended. The steps run from application to decision.
Assembling the file, which presupposes that developability has already been checked, as the article on checking developability explains.
Lodging with the competent municipal service, against a receipt.
Processing, during which the municipality examines compliance and may seek external opinions or further documents.
The mayor's decision, granting, refusing or requiring modifications.
Issue is not the end of the procedure. Display, the appeal period and lapse belong to what follows, covered in the article on what follows the decision.
| Step | What it produces | Who carries it out |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary check | Regulatory feasibility | Client and qualified professional |
| Assembling the file | The documents required | Qualified professional |
| Filing | Registration of the application | Client |
| Processing | The mayor's decision | Municipality |
What the application must establish
Three elements, whatever the project.
The identity and capacity of the applicant, together with their rights over the land.
The exact location of the land, by cadastral reference.
A description of the works envisaged, precise enough to allow compliance to be checked.
The file serves to demonstrate compliance with the planning documents and the building regulation. Anything that does not allow that check will be requested as a supplement, with the corresponding delay.
Who may prepare the file
A general rule and a precise exception.
In principle, only an architect is entitled to prepare the plans for a building permit.
The exception concerns interior alterations to a dwelling, on two cumulative conditions: the works do not affect the load-bearing structures of the building, and they do not affect the façade or the roof.
Both conditions must be met. Touching either brings the works back under the general rule.
The status and obligations of the participants belong to the guide on working in Luxembourg.
The commonest causes of delay
Four causes, all avoidable in advance.
The incomplete file, which triggers a request for documents and puts the timetable in question.
The need for external opinions, some projects calling for the opinion of State services competent in heritage, environment or highways.
Unanticipated parallel permits, covered in the article on other permits required.
Non-compliance points found during processing, requiring modifications and a fresh examination.
The first cause is the commonest and the costliest, since time only runs usefully from a complete file.
What must be checked before lodging
Four points, failing which lodging is premature. They are checked before the application is filed.
Compliance with the applicable planning documents, ratios and siting included.
Compliance with the building regulation, notably parking and water management.
The absence of any easement or protection incompatible with the project.
Identification of the other permits required, which may condition the start even after the building permit is obtained.
The articles in this branch
The article on permit, notification or exemption covers the regime applying to given works. The three regimes are compared there.
The article on the application documents covers the expected content. The list is detailed there.
The article on processing and timescales covers the course and the timetable. The sequence is explained there.
This article reflects the regulatory framework at the date of checking and serves professional orientation. It does not replace consultation of the municipality or legal advice.