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- Ελληνικά
The Ministry of Interior is simplifying the application process for low-risk developments, through a relevant legislative regulation, which will abolish the obligation to obtain planning and building permits for small developments, with the Architect/Civil Engineer assuming responsibility for the correctness and completeness of the study. The promoted regulation aims to modernize the existing procedures by introducing a more flexible licensing framework, which will reduce the time of examination of applications and improve the service to citizens in view of the operation of the Provincial Authorities (PAs).
The change in the way planning applications are examined, among other things, was discussed and agreed at a meeting yesterday between the Minister of Interior Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou and the President Mr. Konstantinos Constantis and a delegation of the ETEK.
The new regulation is being promoted in the context of the decision to introduce a set of measures aimed, on the one hand, at redesigning and simplifying procedures and, on the other hand, at preparing the existing Planning and Building Authorities so that the operation of the EIAs from 1 July 2024 will be more efficient for citizens.
In this direction, a comprehensive plan with a total of 22 measures and a time horizon for implementation by 1 July 2024 has been drawn up by the Department of Planning and Building with instructions from the Minister of Interior.
Among other things, the procedure for conducting the required consultations with agencies (e.g. AHK, Fire Department, Water Development Department, Public Works Department) is differentiated by incorporating the requirements already at the stage of application submission rather than during its examination. It is estimated that this practice will significantly facilitate the permitting process and reduce the time for the Planning Authority to review applications.
As part of the general effort for maximum utilization of technology and digitization of services, from 1/7/2024 the implementation of the Integrated Information System "IPPODAMOS" of the Department of Urban Planning and Zoning is promoted in all EIAs, for the exclusive electronic submission of applications for all types of developments. In this way, bureaucracy and inconvenience for citizens are reduced and the application examination schedules are accelerated.
In addition, a working group of the relevant Departments has started the process of preparing a manual for the implementation of common forms and procedures for the examination of planning applications by all EIAs, in order to ensure uniformity and eliminate time-consuming bureaucratic procedures, which often cause delays in the issuance of decisions. The manual will also include other procedures for which a Planning Authority is responsible, such as identifying problems in Development Plans, problem-solving sessions with Local Authorities, etc.
Finally, the Ministry of Interior and ETEK are immediately preparing a training plan for both ETEK members and the staff that will be recruited in the coming period to strengthen the EDAs. The aim is to train and educate them on the correct submission and examination of applications, so that there are no delays in issuing decisions due to incomplete applications.
(MQI)
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