Does renovation need a permit

Which document for which work

The regulations do not have a separate type of construction called “replanning of a room group”. The type is chosen by what exactly will be done, and the designer can recommend the most suitable one.

When no documents are needed

The Building Construction Regulations exempt from construction-intent documents an interior design project that does not include renovation, reconstruction, restoration or demolition work. Municipalities explain it simply: if only interior work is planned in an apartment, such as painting walls and ceilings, hanging wallpaper or replacing floor covering, construction documentation is not required.

If you are moving walls, openings or utility lines, check the table above again. For more on types of renovation, see cosmetic renovation.

Construction notice, explanatory memorandum and building design

1. Construction notice For simplified renovation of an apartment in a building of the second or third group, it is filed in BIS before work starts. Attached to it are a plan of the room group showing the changes and a room schedule with room heights, prepared by a registered construction company or construction specialist and approved in BIS. A new apartment cannot be created with a notice.
2. Explanatory memorandum For an opening in a load-bearing wall, the structural solution of the opening's joints and an assessment of the effect on the strength and stability of the building are attached. Work may start only after the building board notes that the conditions for starting construction work have been met.
3. Building design and building permit If the work does not fit any of the simpler cases, a building design in minimum composition is prepared and a building permit is obtained.

A certification card has not been used for new work since 01.03.2022. It is used only to complete work for which the card was accepted by 28.02.2022.

Do you need to agree the renovation with neighbours

An owner may carry out construction work in their own apartment without the agreement of other owners, if the regulations are followed and the work does not affect common property or other apartments. If the work affects common property, such as load-bearing walls, risers or radiators that depend on the building's heating, the consent of the apartment owners' association is needed. If it affects another apartment, the consent of its owner is needed.

• Opening in a load-bearing wall: Riga municipality explains that, if the building is divided into apartment properties, the consent of more than half (50% + 1) of the apartment owners is needed.
• Non-load-bearing wall between two apartments: the owners of both apartments agree, and the consent of the others is not needed.
• Consent is drawn up as a separate agreement, for example a general meeting decision or a voting record.

In an apartment building, a bathroom is placed above similar rooms, but above a neighbour's living rooms it is permitted if the requirements for soundproofing, waterproofing, thermal insulation, fire safety, ventilation and safety are met.

Where to submit documents in Riga

Construction is initiated by submitting documents to the building board in the Construction Information System (BIS). Since 01.09.2021 in Riga the functions of the building board are carried out by the City Development Department (Pilsētas attīstības departaments) of Riga municipality (formerly the Riga City Building Board). Notices there are checked by the Architecture Department, with stricter checks since December 2025, and non-compliant notices are annulled.

In the Riga region, documents are likewise submitted in BIS, to the building board of the municipality where the building is. If the building is a cultural monument, the solution is also agreed with the heritage authority.

What happens if there are no documents

For construction work without an explanatory memorandum or building permit where they are needed, the Construction Law provides for an individual a warning or a fine of up to 400 fine units (up to €2,000). The building board may decide to restore the previous condition at the owner's expense. More: replanning an apartment without approval.

How much the documents and work cost

Prices are for labour. Materials are calculated separately in the estimate. For replanning documents and approval the price is by estimate: it depends on whether the work affects load-bearing structures, which documents are needed (a construction notice or an explanatory memorandum) and whether a structural engineer's opinion is needed. For the work itself: demolition of walls, floors and finishes from €6/m², plasterboard partition wall from €12/m².

If your work needs approval, write that in the request. For replanning work, see approval of replanning.