Legalizing facilities in Canton Sarajevo enables owners to obtain a legal status for their facility, property security, the possibility of registration in the cadastre and legal connections, and avoid potential penalties and demolition.
The process has not yet been fully initiated as the law needs to be adopted and municipalities need to publish public calls. Preparing documentation in advance can facilitate the entire process.
1. Which types of facilities can be legalized?
You can legalize:
- Residential facilities – family houses, weekend houses, apartments in standalone buildings
- Business premises and small workshops without a building permit
- Auxiliary facilities – garages, sheds, canopies, storage rooms
- Extensions and additions to existing facilities
The following cannot be legalized:
- facilities that endanger human safety and property
- facilities located in landslide areas, riverbeds, or protected zones
- facilities built on state-owned land without the right to use it
2. Preparing documentation
Before submitting a request, it is necessary to have basic technical documentation:
- Geodetic survey / updated geodetic base – shows the actual state of the plot and facility
- Design project – a detailed drawing of the existing state
This documentation can be prepared by authorized geodetic teams and professional designers.
3. Documentation for urban planning approval
When the municipality publishes a public call, the following documents need to be attached to the request for subsequent urban planning approval:
- Completed request form
- Proof of land ownership (cadastral extract, sales contract, inheritance decision)
- Copy of the cadastral plan
- Geodetic survey of the existing state
- Facility layout with photographs
- Photo documentation of the facility and surroundings
- Certificate of compliance with spatial planning documentation
- Proof of paid administrative fees and charges
Note: the exact list of documents may vary from municipality to municipality and depending on the type of facility, so it is recommended to check all requirements in advance.
4. Steps in the legalization procedure
- a) Submitting a request for urban planning approval
The first official step that is mandatory even for already constructed facilities.
b) Creating a design project
An authorized designer creates a design project of the executed state – shows the actual state of the facility and enables further approval for legalization.
c) Obtaining urban planning approval
The municipality checks if the facility is in line with spatial planning documentation and issues approval for legalization.
d) Creating a main project and building permit
The main project contains all technical details of the facility and is the basis for issuing a subsequent building permit.
e) Technical inspection
The relevant authority checks if the facility has been built in accordance with the main project. After that, the facility can be registered in the cadastre and land books.
f) Paying fees
Fees for legalization have not been finally determined, and the amount depends on the type and location of the facility.
5. Benefits of legalization
Legalization enables:
- Obtaining a legal status for the facility
- Registration of the facility in the land books
- Increasing the market value of the property
- Enabling legal connections (electricity, water, sewage)
- Avoiding penalties or demolition
6. When does the process start?
The legalization process will begin after the law is adopted and municipalities publish public calls. Preparing technical documentation in advance can give you an advantage and reduce stress.
7. Advice for citizens
- Start on time – preparing documentation and projects takes time
- Use professional support to avoid mistakes
- Regularly follow public calls and deadlines set by municipalities
We offer the mentioned service, contact us.