MMR: Extraordinary procedures in the building law allow for a quick response to floods

Prague - Extraordinary procedures under the new building law allow for a quick response to exceptional events, such as floods, other natural disasters, or accidents. The Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) stated this today in a press release published on its website. The office also published a methodology outlining the procedures for builders and building authorities during emergency measures and recovery related to floods. Representatives of local governments and the Czech Chamber of Commerce called on government members on Thursday to promptly prepare and approve an amendment to the building law. If this does not happen, they warn of potential problems in the recovery of areas damaged by floods.

In addition to the created methodology, MMR also developed a form that builders can use to notify the building authority of their work. Specialized procedures were developed in the Information System of Building Proceedings (ISSŘ), used by officials, for these cases, and the ministry created a detailed manual for office staff. "The key now is the rapid restoration of homes, roads, bridges, or the removal of buildings that have unfortunately suffered irreversible damage. It is necessary to prevent further health hazards, financial damage, and, above all, to ensure that people can return home as soon as possible,” said Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš (Pirates).

MMR also published information on its website about the relief measures that owners of buildings affected by floods can utilize. According to the director of the public investment, construction, and social inclusion section, Leona Gergelová Šteigrová, an owner who is, for example, removing or modifying a structure can start work immediately. They only need to notify the building authority. The authority may then decide that a permit for the intervention is not required or may only ask for a minimum of documentation from the builder afterwards.

In the case of repairs and restoration of buildings, it is also necessary to notify the building authority of the action in advance. A description of the work and who will carry it out must then be attached. Restoration can begin if the work respects the original permits and documentation. The building authority then has 15 days to decide that only notification is sufficient. Alternatively, within 30 days, it either issues a permit or prohibits the restoration.

Owners of houses can notify extraordinary measures or recovery related to the consequences of floods in writing, via data boxes, and through the builder's portal. According to Bartoš, special procedures for the removal and restoration of buildings after floods have newly been added to the ISSŘ. Since its launch, the digitization of building proceedings has faced issues; however, the ministry has long stated that it is working to eliminate these problems.

The Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic, the Czech Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Secretaries of Municipal and Town Authorities have stated that the current state of the building law represents a paralysis of building proceedings and creates an illegal status. Although MMR has issued a methodology that changes some procedures in emergencies, they believe it is still necessary to prepare and approve an amendment to the building law. They warn that even if officials find a way to process applications despite poorly functioning digitization and legislation, someone may challenge their actions as illegal in the future.

Since the launch of the building proceedings digitalization on July 1, officials, builders, and designers have experienced problems with the systems. Both opposition and coalition politicians criticize the problematic start of this digitalization. Some have called for the minister’s resignation. Bartoš has previously stated that he does not plan to leave his position as Minister for Regional Development. He believes that it would not solve the problem and that he would consider it an escape from unfinished work. A similar opinion was expressed by Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS).