Latvia to Allow Construction Work Alongside Design Process Under New Law

A package of amendments to Latvia's Construction Law is entering into force, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and speed up construction. The most significant change will allow certain construction works to begin before the full technical design has been finished.

Staged construction

From 1 March 2027, a new Article 15.1 will enable construction projects to be implemented in stages. For example, foundation works or the installation of utility networks could start once the relevant stage has been approved by the local building authority, without waiting for the complete design. Previously, all parts of a building had to be fully designed before any physical work could begin, meaning even minor details such as facade finishes could delay earthworks and foundations.

According to the Ministry of Economics, the new approach could speed up construction by up to six months while maintaining building safety standards. It is also expected to improve the investment climate and make better use of the construction season. Building authorities will have ten working days to issue decisions on each stage.

Easier renovations in residential buildings

From 1 August 2026, changes will ease construction works in separately used premises within residential buildings that have not been divided into apartment properties. Previously, consent from all co-owners was required, which created a serious administrative burden and sometimes made works impossible because co-owners were unreachable or had died.

Under the new rule, co-owner consent will no longer be needed if the works do not affect other commonly owned parts of the building. The separate use of the premises will be confirmed by an entry in the land registry.

Cumulative impact of wind farms

Also from 1 August 2026, local municipalities will be able to assess whether a cumulative environmental impact assessment is needed for wind farm projects. This is designed to thoroughly analyse the interaction between multiple wind turbines and projects, including those located in neighbouring municipalities.

The Ministry of Climate and Energy has said this will ensure that decisions on building permits are based on more complete information about the total load on a given territory. Transitional rules apply to projects for which a decision on the applicability of an environmental impact assessment was made between 1 January 2015 and 31 July 2026.

Other amendments

The classification of construction merchants will be removed from the law on 1 March 2027, as it is no longer used in public procurement. From 1 July 2027, the construction of forest fire safety infrastructure will be simplified for persons engaged in forestry activities.