fines for minor violations will range from 300 to 3000 euros
On Friday, September 13, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus approved the rules governing the urban planning amnesty. It will allow thousands of property owners to obtain titles after paying fines (from 300 to 3,000 euros) for making “minor unauthorized” changes to the original building plan.
— Who is covered by the urban planning amnesty?
— For owners of residential and commercial real estate (houses, offices, shops, cafes, bars, warehouses, etc.).
— What is the validity period of the amnesty?
— Six months, until March 2025.
— What changes in the original construction plan will be covered by the amnesty?
For minor changes. Among them are exceeding the building coefficient, deviations from the layout, creating pergolas, glazing balconies and verandas, erecting a car awning and a porch canopy, constructing barbecue areas, etc. The amnesty will not apply to houses that have an additional floor.
— Which real estate properties will be covered by the amnesty?
— For those objects that have planning and/or construction permits issued before September 13, 2024. First, you will need to fill out an application for participation in the amnesty and wait for its approval, then pay a fine, then receive a certificate allowing the operation of the building and the owner’s titles.
— What requirements will be imposed on unauthorized changes?
— They must be in harmony with the environment, the architectural design of the building, be built using quality materials and not violate the property rights of third parties (neighbors).
— How will the amount of the fine be calculated?
— From Monday, September 16, tariffs will be introduced for types of violations. For example, there will be one fine for a pergola, and another for a glazed veranda.
The maximum fine for an unauthorized pergola with an area of up to 20 square meters. meters will be 1000 euros, and if its area exceeds 20 square meters. meters, then 1500 euros.
It will be possible to pay a fine and receive owner’s titles if the development ratio is exceeded by a maximum of 20% or 60 sq. m. meters).
— Where will the fines collected during the amnesty go?
— To the fund of the Cyprus Land Development Organization (KOAG), which specializes in the construction of affordable housing.
— Where can I find the terms of the amnesty and the amount of fines?
— From Monday, September 16, on the website of the City Planning Department of the Republic of Cyprus
I urge the citizens concerned to study the plan and take advantage of it within six months to obtain titles and break the impasse in which they find themselves.
Konstantinos IOANNOU, Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
information source “Europe-Cyprus”
