Preliminary Notice under the Planning and Building Act – Application, Location Review & Excel | Word/PDF

Preliminary decision on building permit – application, location assessment and Excel

Are you planning to build a house or carry out another building permit-required measure outside an area covered by a detailed plan? This package helps you prepare a request for a preliminary decision under Chapter 9, Section 41 of the Planning and Building Act (PBL). Compile the project description, map attachments, site conditions, water and sewage, access, environmental issues and the municipality's decision in one place.

Important legal distinction: A preliminary decision assesses whether a building permit-required measure can be located at a certain site outside an area covered by a detailed plan. This is not the same as a planning decision, building permit, coastal protection exemption or commencement notice. The templates are private preparatory documents, not the municipality's official form or a decision by any authority.

All documents in the package

How to apply for a preliminary decision

1. Check the planning status. According to Chapter 9, Section 41 of the PBL, a preliminary decision applies to building permit-required measures outside an area covered by a detailed plan. However, area regulations may apply, and the measure must comply with the rules applicable to the site.
2. Describe the project. State the property designation, applicant, planned building or measure, purpose, approximate scope and desired location.
3. Attach actual drawings and maps. Use, for example, a general site plan. The map register in the package does not replace an actual map, and the municipality's own requirements must be followed.
4. Report known site conditions. Compile information on water/sewage, access, roads, land, noise, flooding, natural and cultural values, and any permits requiring separate assessment.
5. Submit the application to the municipality. Use the building committee's e-service or the requested form. Save proof of submission, the case number and the version of all attachments.
6. Monitor the decision. Check when the decision becomes legally binding, any conditions, and whether a separate building permit application needs to be submitted.

What does a positive preliminary decision mean?

According to Chapter 9, Sections 41–42 of the PBL (2010:900), the building committee can assess whether a planned building permit-required measure can be located at the specified site. A positive preliminary decision is binding for the location assessment part of the subsequent building permit assessment, provided that a building permit for the same measure is sought within two years from the day the preliminary decision became legally binding.

A positive preliminary decision does not give the right to start building. A building permit and, as a rule, a commencement notice are still required. The preliminary decision may contain conditions on, for example, placement and design; the conditions must be taken into account during the subsequent building permit assessment. See Boverket's current guidance.

How long is the municipality's processing time?

The starting point in Chapter 9, Section 99 of the PBL is a decision within ten weeks, but the starting point of the time limit may change depending on requests for additional information and other circumstances. An extension may be decided under the conditions specified in the law, and there are also special rules for certain types of cases. Read the municipality's written decision. The Excel tool does not automatically calculate legal deadlines.

What is the difference between a preliminary decision, a planning decision and a building permit?

A planning decision concerns the municipality's intention to initiate planning. A preliminary decision concerns the question of whether a building permit-required measure can be located at a certain site outside an area covered by a detailed plan. A building permit is a subsequent assessment of the building measure itself, and a commencement notice is an additional legal requirement for starting the implementation of a permit-required building measure.

Excel register with nine tabs

Dashboard, Cases, Location issues, Maps, Water and sewage and access, Neighbour contact, Documents, Decisions and deadlines and Read me. Eight formula-driven key figures track the number of cases, submitted applications, positive/negative decisions, open location issues, maps requiring additional information, unconfirmed documents and entered municipal fees. The workbook contains no fictitious test entries and does not make an automatic assessment of suitability, permits or legal time limits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a preliminary decision be obtained within an area covered by a detailed plan?

The special assessment under Chapter 9, Section 41 applies to building permit-required measures outside an area covered by a detailed plan. Consult the municipality about the correct process when a detailed plan applies.

Is a preliminary decision the same as a building permit?

No. The preliminary decision concerns the location issue. You must still apply for a building permit and obtain the necessary commencement notice before starting construction.

How long is a positive preliminary decision valid for?

It is binding for the subsequent location assessment if a building permit for the measure is sought within two years from the date it becomes legally binding, according to Chapter 9, Section 42 of the PBL.

What documents do I need to attach?

It depends on the municipality and the measure. Normally, the application must describe the property and the measure and provide map and drawing material that enables the location assessment. Check Boverket's summary of the application requirements and the municipality's instructions.

Must the neighbours be consulted?

The building committee is responsible for any neighbour hearing under Chapter 9, Sections 94–97 of the PBL, subject to current exceptions. The applicant does not replace the process with a private signature.

Are drawings or a completed site plan included?

No. The package contains a map register and material for descriptions. You must attach a correct map and any drawings required by the municipality yourself.

Can I build after a positive preliminary decision?

Not solely on the basis of the preliminary decision. You need the continued permit process and a commencement notice where required.

Does Excel automatically calculate municipal fees or the final application date?

Excel totals the fees you have entered yourself and keeps a register of actual decisions. It does not interpret fee schedules, calculate validity periods or determine whether the case is complete.

Related documents

See Control Plan according to the PBL for later stages and Construction & Contracting – Templates for more building documents. However, a preliminary decision is a separate application process.

Sources and legal review

PBL (2010:900), especially Chapter 9, Sections 41–42, 85–86, 94–99 and 104, as well as Chapter 10, Section 3; Boverket – assessment of preliminary decisions; Boverket – application for permits and preliminary decisions. Version 1.0 dated November 4, 2026. AI-assisted review of official sources, not an independent external legal review of this specific edition.