Planning permission

Planning permission or building permit refers to the approval needed for construction or expansion (including significant renovation), and sometimes for demolition, in some jurisdictions.^[1][2]

House building permits, for example, are subject to building codes. There is also a "plan check" (PLCK) to check compliance with plans for the area, if any.^[3] For example, one cannot obtain permission to build a nightclub in an area where it is inappropriate such as a high-density suburb.^[4][5] The criteria for planning permission are a part of urban planning and construction law, and are usually managed by town planners employed by local governments.^[6][7]

Failure to obtain a permit can result in fines, penalties, and demolition of unauthorized construction if it cannot be made to meet code. Generally, the new construction must be inspected during construction and after completion to ensure compliance with national, regional, and local building codes. Since building permits usually precede outlays for construction, employment, financing and furnishings, they are often used as a leading indicator for developments in other areas of the economy.

The number of building permits issued per year varies by country.^[8] By-right approval processes can be faster than discretionary approval processes.^[9]