10/04/2022
Redevelopment rules: what needs to be agreed
Most of the work on the redevelopment of apartments must be coordinated with relevant institutions. However, some types of changes can be carried out without contacting the authorities. We are looking into whether permits are required to combine bathrooms, install air conditioning and other types of housing improvement work.
What types of work relate to redevelopment
The law separates the concepts of redevelopment and reconstruction. The first type includes all works that change the configuration of the apartment.
Among them:
changing the location of walls in an apartment building, including load-bearing and conventional partitions;
changing the location and configuration of bathrooms;
changing the dimensions and location of doorways;
changing the area of rooms and MOS, as well as increasing or decreasing their size by changing the configuration of the premises;
arrangement or connection of vestibules.
In some cases, coordination will not be possible. For example, it is impossible to demolish the partition between the room and the gasified kitchen.
Reconstruction does not imply constructive changes. This concept includes the transfer or replacement of gas and electrical equipment, as well as engineering networks. For example, the replacement of a gas stove with an electric one will have to be coordinated with the gas supply organization.
All changes must be approved in advance in the institutions responsible for this. After completion of the work — to enter in the technical passport of the apartment. If you do everything without notifying the relevant authorities, the redevelopment will be considered illegal. This will not only become a hindrance when selling an apartment, but may also serve as a reason for going to court by regulatory authorities. The court may demand to return the apartment to its original condition and issue a fine.
Controversial points during approval
Repairs that do not change the configuration of the premises and the functions of engineering, plumbing and gas equipment do not need to be coordinated. Cosmetic repairs, which include, for example, the replacement of wall and floor coverings, can be done without contacting the relevant authorities.
However, there are also controversial points. For example, federal legislation does not oblige to coordinate the installation of an air conditioner. But at the regional level, there may be their own rules that regulate this moment. In St. Petersburg, to carry out these works, it is necessary to obtain approval from the Committee on Architecture and Urban Planning. In Moscow, there are special requirements regarding the rules for the removal of condensate from the climate equipment.
Not everything is simple with the replacement of windows — one of the most popular types of work, especially in old houses. Coordination is necessary if the configuration or size of window openings changes. If you decide to put plastic windows instead of wooden ones, you should not worry.
At the federal level, it is not required to notify the authorities about the glazing of balconies. But the regions may have their own rules. In the same St. Petersburg, fines are provided for unauthorized glazing. Also, residents of the upper floors should get approval, since additional roofing will have to be done for glazing.
A separate conversation about historical buildings. According to federal law, it is prohibited to change their appearance. Therefore, the installation of air conditioners on facades, as well as the glazing of balconies is prohibited. When replacing windows, you will need to get permission. New windows should copy the old ones in style, color, size, glazing and other parameters.
What should be reflected in the BTI plan
In the plan of the BTI, all the rooms of an apartment building are graphically displayed. It indicates the location of doors and windows, gas stoves and plumbing areas. All elements of redevelopment that lead to a change in the plan must be agreed.
In other cases, if the room plan remains unchanged, you do not need to apply for permission. For example, without risks, you can replace electrical wiring, plumbing, doors and windows, align walls and floors, equip a built-in wardrobe or demolish the mezzanine.