Revision of building ordinance
The City of Espoo has started to revise its building ordinance. The objective of the revision is to update the building ordinance to comply with the construction act (RAKL) entering into force on 1 January 2025. The aim is to have the new building ordinance enter into force during 2026.
General information on building ordinances
The building ordinance may contain regulations that are necessary due to local conditions. These regulations ensure systematic and suitable construction, take cultural and natural values into account and ensure a good living environment. The regulations of the building ordinance may not be unreasonable for the property owner or other right holder.
The regulations of the building ordinance may concern the building site and other areas, the size and location of the building, the fitting of the building into its environment, construction methods, plantations, fences and other construction projects smaller than a building, the maintenance of a built-up environment, the organisation of water supply as well as other local construction aspects comparable to them.
A regulation in the building ordinance may not be applied if the master plan or detailed plan or a regulation published in the National Building Code of Finland provides otherwise.
Since the building ordinance affects many communities, municipality residents, companies, authorities and other parties, interaction and inclusion are important when preparing the building ordinance.
Progress of revision process
You can learn more about the revision process of the building ordinance and its different stages below.
Revision schedule
You can learn about the revision schedule of the building ordinance below.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Participation and assessment scheme available for public review | 19 September 2024 – 2 October 2024 |
| Draft building ordinance available for public review | Available for public review 5.11.-5.12.2025 |
| Building ordinance proposal available for public review | February 2026 |
| Approval | May 2026 |
| Entry into force | June 2026 |
Opinions and complaints
Possible opinions and objections about the building ordinance stages made available for public review must be submitted to the City of Espoo Registry Office during public review:
- by email kirjaamo@espoo.fi or
- by post to the address City of Espoo Registry Office, P.O. Box 1, 02070 CITY OF ESPOO.
Street address of the registry is Siltakatu 11, Entresse Shopping Centre, 3rd floor.
Further information
In matters related to the revision of the building ordinance, please contact Director of Building Control Jari Saajo, jari.saajo@espoo.fi.