Simple buildings: what you may build without a building permit

Some smaller and simpler structures and works can be carried out in Croatia without a building permit, and some even without a main project — but only those explicitly categorized as such by regulations and only under precisely defined conditions. Which structures, what dimensions, and under what conditions are determined by the Ordinance on Simple and Other Structures and Works, while the Construction Act provides the framework. Regulations can change, so the list and conditions must be checked in the current regulation, not assumed. A wrong assumption that something doesn't require a permit can lead to illegal construction. In this guide, we explain the logic behind the category of simple structures and how to safely check if you are allowed to build without a permit.

<Many owners want to carry out some minor intervention on their property — to erect an auxiliary building, a fence, a terrace, a storage room, or a similar object — and wonder if they need a building permit for it. The good news is that Croatian regulations provide a simplified regime for a certain category of smaller and simpler structures and works: some of them can be built without a building permit, and some even without a main project. This category is known as "simple structures". But precisely therein lies the greatest danger of misunderstanding. "Without a permit" does not mean "without rules" or "whatever I wish" — it means a precisely defined list of structures, each under precisely prescribed conditions. A wrong assumption that something falls into the category of simple structures, when it actually doesn't or doesn't meet the conditions, can lead to illegal construction with all its consequences. In this guide, we explain what the category of simple structures means, what its logic is, what levels of "relief" exist, and — most importantly — how to safely check if you are allowed to carry out a specific intervention without a permit.

Contents

• What are simple structures
• Logic of the category: why some structures don't need a permit
• Levels of regime: without permit, without main project
• "Without a permit" doesn't mean "without rules"
• Why the list and conditions must be checked in the current regulation
• How to safely check if you are allowed to build
• Risks of a wrong assumption
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key insights

• Some smaller and simpler structures can be built without a building permit, and some even without a main project.
• What falls into this category and under what conditions is determined by the Ordinance on Simple and Other Structures and Works.
• "Without a permit" doesn't mean without rules — individual structures have prescribed limitations (area, height, purpose), and placement is checked in the spatial plan.
• The Ordinance does not prescribe one universal distance from the plot boundary for all simple structures.
• The list and conditions can change with amendments to regulations, so they must be checked in the current version.
• A wrong assumption can lead to illegal construction, and legalization is not a universal solution.

What are simple structures

Simple structures are a category of smaller and simpler structures and works that regulations exempt from the regular building regime and for which they prescribe a simplified procedure — without the need for a building permit, and for some of them, even without a main project. The idea is that for minor interventions, which do not carry the same complexity and risk as larger structures, it is not proportionate to require the entire permit issuance procedure that applies to, for example, building a house. Specifically, which structures and works fall into this category is not a matter of judgment or the logic of "it's small, so I probably can," but a precisely prescribed list. The specific structures and works that can be built or carried out without a building permit are determined by the Ordinance on Simple and Other Structures and Works (NN 112/17, 34/18, 36/19, 98/19, 31/20, 74/22 and 155/23). The valid Construction Act (NN 155/25) in Article 85 prescribes the framework for building without a building permit, while the Ordinance specifies the concrete structures, works, and conditions. There is no general definition according to which something is "small enough" to automatically not require a permit — it is necessary to check if the specific intervention is among those listed in the Ordinance.

Professional advice: Do not rely on the impression that something is "small enough" not to require a permit — the category of simple structures is a precisely prescribed list with conditions, not a matter of judgment; only the current Ordinance states whether your intervention falls into it.

Logic of the category: why some structures don't need a permit

Behind the category of simple structures lies a clear logic of proportionality. The building permit issuance procedure exists to ensure that structures are safe, in accordance with spatial plans and regulations, and do not harm the environment and neighbors. For large and complex structures, such supervision is essential. However, for a series of minor interventions — auxiliary objects, smaller structures, certain works — the full procedure would be disproportionate to the effort and risk, so the regulation provides a lighter regime for them. This logic also explains why "without a permit" does not mean "without any rules." The goal is not to abolish safety and order for minor interventions, but to achieve them more simply — through pre-prescribed conditions instead of through an individual permit procedure. Therefore, every simple structure must still meet the prescribed conditions; only the entire permit issuance procedure is not carried out. Understanding this logic helps the buyer and owner to correctly understand the category — as a relief within the rules, not as an exemption from them.
Professional advice: Understand the category of simple structures as a "lighter procedure," not as "no rules" — the regulation is less demanding because the intervention is smaller, but conditions still exist and must be respected; otherwise, the construction is not legal regardless of whether a permit was needed.Levels of regime: without permit, without main projectWithin the category of simple structures, it is important to distinguish that not all "simplifications" are equal — there are several levels of simplification. The Ordinance distinguishes several levels of simplified regime. Some structures and works can be carried out without a building permit and without a main project, while for others, a building permit is also unnecessary, but a main project is mandatory. Certain interventions may also require a type project, an appropriate decision, or other documentation. For certain structures and works, notification of the start of construction and professional supervision are also prescribed. Therefore, "without a building permit" should not be equated with "without documentation." It is important for the owner not to confuse these levels and not to assume that the absence of a permit automatically means the absence of any obligation. Some interventions that do not require a permit still require a main or type project, other documentation, notification of the start of construction, or professional supervision. Therefore, for each specific intervention, it must be checked not only whether it falls into the category of simple structures, but also what exact level of regime and what conditions apply to it. This distinction is easily overlooked but is essential for correct action.Professional advice: Do not assume that "no permit needed" means "nothing at all is needed" — there are multiple levels within the category, so some interventions still require a project, notification of the start of construction, or professional supervision; for your specific intervention, check what exact level and what conditions apply.<"Without a permit" doesn't mean "without rules"This is a message worth repeating because it is the source of the most common mistakes. Even when a structure falls into the simple category and does not require a permit, it must still comply with a series of rules and conditions. The Ordinance specifies concrete limitations for individual structures, for example, maximum area, height, depth, purpose, or location where they can be built. In addition to these conditions, it is necessary to check the valid spatial plan for the specific plot, especially when it comes to the placement of the structure and its distance from the boundary of the neighboring plot. Here, an important nuance that owners often misunderstand is crucial: the Ordinance does not prescribe one universal distance from the boundary for all simple structures. The general rule is that the intervention must be in accordance with the spatial plan, with a few explicitly prescribed exceptions. Therefore, the placement of the structure, including the required distance from the plot boundary, is generally checked in the valid spatial plan for the specific location. A structure that is "simple" but exceeds the prescribed limitations or is not in accordance with the plan is not legal merely because it did not require a permit. The issue of relations with neighbors is particularly sensitive: a simple structure placed contrary to the rules can create problems despite formally not needing a permit.Professional advice: Even when building without a permit, check the limitations from the Ordinance and compliance with placement according to the spatial plan — there is no single universal distance from the boundary for all simple structures, so it is determined for the specific location, and conflict with a neighbor over the boundary is one of the most common problems.Why the list and conditions must be checked in the current regulationThis is perhaps the most important practical message of the entire text. The list of simple structures and the conditions under which they may be built can change with amendments to regulations. What was valid a few years ago might have changed in the meantime: some structures could have entered or left the category, and conditions could have been altered. Therefore, the list and conditions should never be assumed from memory, others' experience, or older sources, but checked in the current regulation. At the time of publication of this guide, the Ordinance on Simple and Other Structures and Works (NN 112/17, 34/18, 36/19, 98/19, 31/20, 74/22 and 155/23) applies, which, based on the transitional provisions of the Construction Act (NN 155/25), remained in force until a new ordinance is adopted. Therefore, before each specific intervention, the currently valid version of the regulation must be checked. This is an area where relying on outdated information is particularly risky, as regulations change, and the consequences of a wrong assumption are borne by the owner.Professional advice: Before building without a permit, always check the current regulation, not an older source or someone else's experience — the list of simple structures and their conditions can change, so what was "allowed" a few years ago may not be valid today, and you bear the consequences.How to safely check if you are allowed to buildA safe approach to building without a permit boils down to a few steps that protect the owner from error. The first is to check the current Ordinance to see if the specific intervention falls into the category of simple structures at all. The second is to check what level of regime applies to it (without a permit and without a main project, or without a permit with a main project) and what conditions it must meet. The third is to check the spatial planning conditions and the situation at the location itself, as placement conditions are tied to the specific plot. If you are unsure whether a specific intervention belongs to structures and works that can be carried out without a building permit, it is advisable to contact an authorized designer before starting work and, if necessary, the competent administrative body for construction affairs. For checking spatial planning conditions, the designer can obtain location information, while special conditions and approvals for interventions for which they are prescribed are obtained through the eDozvola system. Do not start construction based solely on an oral assumption that a permit is not needed. For interventions that still require a permit, as well as for questions of legalization of already completed work, we refer you to our separate content on those topics.Professional advice: In case of any uncertainty, rather check with an authorized designer or the competent administrative body if you are allowed to build without a permit than to assume — the cost of checking is negligible compared to the cost and consequences of illegal construction if the assumption is wrong.Risks of a wrong assumptionThe greatest risk in this topic is a wrong assumption — the belief that something does not require a permit when it actually does, or that it meets conditions when it does not. The consequence of a wrong assessment can be illegal construction. In prescribed cases, the construction inspector can order the suspension of construction, harmonization, or removal of the structure or its part. Legalization is not a universal solution for subsequent error correction. Although the deadline for submitting applications for the issuance of a decision on the as-built condition was abolished by amendments to the law in 2026, this procedure applies to illegally built buildings that meet legal conditions, especially the condition that they were built or reconstructed no later than June 21, 2011. For newer illegal construction, one should not count on the possibility of subsequent legalization under that specific law. This risk is particularly insidious because it arises from good intentions and the belief that one is acting correctly. An owner who "knows" that something does not require a permit, relying on outdated or incorrect information, can build an object in good faith and still end up in illegality. This is precisely why checking the current regulation and, in case of uncertainty, consulting experts is so important — it turns an assumption into certainty. When buying a property, it is equally important to check whether existing auxiliary buildings were built legally, because otherwise their problem is transferred to the buyer.Professional advice: When buying a property, check whether existing auxiliary buildings (storage rooms, carports, fences, etc.) were built legally — an illegally built object by the previous owner becomes your problem and cost, and it is best detected before, not after, the purchase.How Regent can help youThe question of whether something can be built without a permit and whether an existing object was built legally is part of property security, and Regent real estate can help you with this. When purchasing, we help you check whether auxiliary and other objects on the property were built in accordance with regulations and guide you on verifying the construction status. For a specific question of whether you are allowed to carry out a certain intervention without a permit, we refer you to check the current Ordinance and, if necessary, an authorized designer or the competent authority. The goal is for you to enter the property without hidden problems of illegal construction. For checks and advice, see what buying with Regent looks like or contact us.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are simple structures?Simple structures are a category of smaller and simpler structures and works that can be built or carried out without a building permit. The specific list and conditions are determined by the Ordinance on Simple and Other Structures and Works, and the Construction Act provides the framework. Some of these structures are built even without a main project, while others require a main project, although not a building permit.Does "without a permit" mean I can build whatever I want?No. "Without a building permit" only means that the permit issuance procedure is not carried out, but the structure must still comply with the conditions prescribed by the Ordinance and relevant spatial planning and other regulations. The distance from the plot boundary depends on the rules applicable to the specific location, and there is no single universal distance prescribed by the Ordinance for all simple structures.How do I know if my intervention falls under simple structures?By checking the current Ordinance on Simple and Other Structures and Works, which lists which structures and works may be built or carried out without a building permit and under what conditions. Since the list and conditions can change, one should not rely on memory or older sources, but check the currently valid regulation, and in case of uncertainty, ask an authorized designer or the competent administrative body.Why is it important to check the current regulation, not an older source?Because the list of simple structures and their building conditions can change with amendments to regulations. Some structures may enter or leave the category, and conditions may be altered. What was valid a few years ago may not be valid today. Relying on outdated information is risky because the consequences of a wrong assumption, including possible illegal construction, are borne by the owner.What happens if I build something thinking it doesn't need a permit, but it actually does?This constitutes illegal construction. In prescribed cases, the construction inspector can order the suspension of construction, harmonization, or removal of the structure or its part. Legalization is not automatically possible: according to the valid regulation, the procedure applies to illegally built buildings that meet legal conditions, among which a key condition is that they were built or reconstructed no later than June 21, 2011. For newer illegal construction, one should not count on subsequent legalization under that specific law.Should I check auxiliary buildings on the property when purchasing?Yes. It is worth checking whether existing auxiliary buildings (storage rooms, carports, fences, etc.) were built legally, because an illegally built object by the previous owner becomes a problem and cost for the buyer. Such a check is part of the legal due diligence of the property before purchase and is best done before, not after, the transaction.RecommendedProperty inspection before purchaseProperty registration in CroatiaHow the real estate purchase and sale process works in Croatia