A new unified environmental opinion is intended to make obtaining a building permit easier and faster. It has been introduced by a completely new law that comes into force today. The opinion will include requirements for assessing the environmental impact of construction under up to nine previously applicable laws.
Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) has previously stated that the law is intended to speed up and streamline construction procedures while fully defending public interests in environmental protection. The novelty brings procedural unification of the previously fragmented administrative actions into one binding opinion. According to the Minister, it will also apply to the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
The opinion will be valid for five years and can be extended. At the request of the builder, the opinion can be changed. If more than one law requires the same information, the applicant will fill it in only once.
The law on the single environmental opinion is related to the government’s amendment to the Construction Act, which also came into force today. Together with it, it is intended to ensure that it is easier for the applicant to obtain a building permit and not to have to seek the opinions of the authorities concerned.
Source: CTK
