Cyprus ministry introduces building inspector bill to curb construction violations

The Cypriot Ministry of Interior has opened a public consultation on a bill aimed at establishing the role of building inspectors to address unauthorized construction. Under this new framework, inspectors will conduct on-site visits at predefined construction phases, selected via electronic lottery to ensure oversight. The reform categorizes developments into three types: Category A (single-family homes) remains under the authority of the District Self-Government Organizations (EOA). Category B (residential units up to 12 row houses or 20 apartments) and Category C (large public infrastructure like theaters and hospitals) will be subject to mandatory inspections by building inspectors. Minister of Interior Constantinos Ioannou stated that this measure will allow for the detection of discrepancies between issued permits and actual construction, granting inspectors the power to halt work or impose fines. The cost for these inspections is estimated to reach up to €1,000. This initiative concludes a broader reform package that began in October 2023, which has already implemented over 20 measures to streamline the permit approval process.