Apply for or register a building permit or an Attefall house

2. Preliminary decision

A preliminary decision is a formal ruling from the municipality that tells you whether you can obtain a building permit for a specific project at a specific location, before you invest time and money in producing complete drawings and application documents.

It is particularly useful if you plan to:

• Build in the countryside or outside a detailed development plan area.
• Subdivide a property for new construction.
• Are uncertain whether the municipality will approve the project.
• Sell or purchase a property where building possibilities are unclear.

2.1 What is assessed in a preliminary decision?

The municipality conducts a site assessment, where it evaluates whether the location is suitable for construction based on:

• National interests, such as outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, or national defense.
• Environmental factors like noise, drainage, natural values, or risk areas.
• Access to road, water, and sewage.
• Compliance with the comprehensive plan.
• Landscape character and impact on the surroundings.

Note: The preliminary decision only determines whether a building permit can be granted at the location. It does not include technical assessments, drawing reviews, or approval to begin construction.

2.2 How to apply

A preliminary decision application is simpler than a building permit. You need:

• A map or aerial photo with the location clearly marked.
• A short description of what you plan to build (for example, single-family house, placement, number of floors).
• The property designation and your contact details.

Send your application to the Environmental and Building Unit, either by email to mob@boden.se or by post. You can also get assistance through the municipality’s Citizen Service.

2.3 Processing and decision

The processing time is up to 10 weeks.

• The municipality aims to provide a decision within 5 weeks if the application is complete.
• The fee is approximately SEK 6,300 for a single-family house (see the current fee schedule under Fees and charges).
• A positive preliminary decision is valid for two years – you must apply for a building permit within that time for the decision to remain valid.

2.4 Advantages of starting with a preliminary decision

• You receive early confirmation of whether the project is feasible.
• You save money by avoiding unnecessary drawings.
• It provides security when buying or selling land.
• You get a clear basis for discussions with neighbors or landowners.

2.5 Important to keep in mind!

• A preliminary decision is not a building permit – you must submit a separate building permit application before construction can begin.
• The decision can be appealed by stakeholders (such as neighbors).
• If you change the plans (size, placement, or building type), a new decision may be required.
  

3. The building permit process – from application to final approval

4. Example drawings – how your drawings should be designed

Drawings are central to a complete building permit application or notification. Boden municipality has clear requirements for what must be included – and SKR (Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) provides example drawings as guidance. This section helps you understand what is important when preparing your documents. Create a darwing of the property here.

4.1 Why are proper drawings so important?

The municipality requires professionally prepared documents – drawings that are clear, scaled, and dimensioned, on white paper with clean lines. If the drawings are inadequate or unclear, the process may be delayed due to requests for additional information.

4.2 Vad ska ingå?

A standard application should contain:

• Site plan (scale 1:500): shows the plot, new and existing buildings, distances to property boundaries, and any ground changes.
• Floor plans (scale 1:100): one plan view per floor, showing doors, windows, and room layout.
• Elevation drawings (scale 1:100): shows all sides of the building, including dormers, stairs, chimneys, etc.
• Section drawings (scale 1:100): cross-section of the building from the side, with heights and materials in walls, floors, and roof.

Depending on the project, you may also need:

• Ground planning drawings (for ground permits/parking) with existing and planned levels.
• Proposed control plan (for measures requiring a site inspector).
• Truss or construction drawings, fire protection drawings, or other details for technical solutions.

4.3 SKR’s example drawings as support

SKR has developed example drawings for both new construction and extensions of single-family homes. These are available as PDF booklets to help both municipalities and applicants understand what information is needed. Floor plans, elevations, site plans, and section drawings are included as ready-made illustrations and may be published on municipal websites.

Keep in mind:

• SKR’s material is not a fixed standard – it is guidance, not a checklist.
• The municipality always decides which documents are required in each case.
  

4.4 Quality requirements for drawings

• Each drawing must clearly state the property designation, scale, scale bar, and date of preparation/revision.
• Drawings must be professionally prepared – clean lines on white paper.
• Even “simple” projects must meet minimum requirements – otherwise the process will be delayed.
  

4.5 Tips for use

• Use SKR’s examples as a reference to understand what details a drawing should include.
• Always check Boden municipality’s specific instructions and any templates or forms on their website.
• For complex issues (such as technical solutions or restrictive zoning plans) – seek help from an architect, engineer, or other professional.
  

5. SETTING OUT – ENSURING THE CORRECT PLACEMENT OF YOUR BUILDING

Setting out means that the planned building is physically marked on the ground before construction begins, so that the placement is exactly according to the building permit and the site plan. It is an important step to ensure that the house is built in the right position in relation to property boundaries, roads, and neighbors.

5.1 When is setting out required?

• For new construction of houses, garages, or similar buildings.
• Often also for extensions close to the property boundary or public areas.
• The requirement for setting out is decided in the building permit decision or at the start permit stage.
  

5.2 Who performs the setting out?

• Municipal measurement technicians carries out the setting out after you place an order.
• As the developer, you are responsible for ordering the setting out at least one week before construction begins.
• You may also hire another approved surveying prefessional, but then an administrative fee will be required from the municipality.
  

5.3 How much does it cost?

Setting out is charged according to the current municipal fee schedule. The price varies depending on the type and size of the building.

Example: Setting-out for a single-family house usually costs around SEK 8,000. Exact costs are provided by the municipality upon request.

5.4 How to order

1. Email: gis@boden.se
2. Or contact Citizen Service at +46 921 620 00.
3. Provide the property designation, contact details, preferred date, and attach the site plan.
4. The municipality will confirm and plan the work with you.
   

5.5 Tips!

• The setting out should be done after the ground has been roughly prepared, but before the foundation is poured.
• Without correct setting out, there is a risk that the building ends up in the wrong place, which could lead to demolition or relocation.
• Make sure that the drawings you have submitted are updated and consistent with what you actually plan to build – the setting out is based on these.

6. Attefall measures

Attefall measures are a set of rules in Sweden that allow certain small-scale constructions without a formal building permit. However, you must still submit a notification to the municipality and wait for a start permit before you can begin building.

The rules apply to single-family and two-family houses, as well as accessory buildings on plots that already contain a residential building.

6.1 What can you build under the Attefall rules?

Secondary dwelling (Attefall house)

• A detached residential building up to 30 m².
• Maximum 4 meters in height at the ridge.
• Must contain all essential housing functions (kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, etc.).
• Can be used as a guest house, permanent residence, or for rental.
• Must not be placed closer than 4.5 meters to the property boundary without written consent from the neighbor.

6.2 Accessory building (such as storage or garage)

• Maximum 30 m² building area.
• Maximum 4 meters in height.
• Must be detached.
• Can be combined with a “friggebod” (small shed, up to 15 m², which requires neither permit nor notification).
  

6.3 Extension of an existing house

• Up to 15 m² gross floor area.
• Maximum 4 meters in height at the ridge.
• Must not be closer than 4.5 meters to the property boundary without neighbor’s written consent.
  

6.4 Conversion into an additional dwelling unit

• Adding an extra dwelling inside a single-family house.
• Only applies to permanent homes, not holiday cottages.
• Must meet requirements for accessibility, fire safetyand other relevant regulations.
  

6.5 Dormer windows

• You may add two dormer windows without a building permit, even if there is already one.
• Applies only if the house has no more than two dormers in total.
• Must not involve changes to the load-bearing structure.
  

6.6 What is required for Attefall measures?

A notification must always be submitted before starting. You may not begin construction until you have received a written start permit from the municipality.

Your notification must include:

• A completed Attefall notification form.
• Professionally prepared drawings: site plan, floor plan, elevation drawings.
• A description of the purpose and scope of the project.
• Technical details (for residential buildings).
  

Important limitations

• The property must already have an existing residential building.
• The property must be within a detailed development plan or in a built-up area.
• If the property is within a shoreline protection zone, you may need a special exemption.
• Attefall measures must not conflict with cultural or heritage values of the building or area.
• Building close to the property boundary requires written consent from the neighbor.
  

7. Other permits and measures

7.1 Groundwork permit (changes to ground level or parking)

• You need a groundwork permit if you excavate or fill land within a detailed development plan area so that the ground level changes by more than 0.5 meters.
• A building permit is required if you want to create a new parking area, expand, or remove existing parking spaces.
• Applications are handled by the Municipal Environment and Building Department and must include a site plan showing both the current and planned levels (top and side views).
• A decision must be made within a maximum of 10 weeks (up to 20 weeks if extended). The work must begin within two years and be completed within five years.

7.2 Demolition permit and demolition notification

• Within areas covered by a detailed development plan, a demolition permit is always required. Outside these areas, the municipality may require a notification and a start clearance before demolition can begin.
• Exemptions apply for small accessory buildings (such as garages or sheds linked to agricultural or forestry use).
• For demolition projects, the following documents are often required: site plan, environmental and material inventory, and a control plan.

7.3 Shoreline protection exemption

• If you plan to build, alter, or carry out groundwork within a shoreline protection zone (normally 100 meters from the shoreline), you need an exemption from shoreline protection rules.
• Exemptions can be granted if there are special reasons – for example, if the site is already developed, clearly separated from the shoreline, or used for essential community functions. In designated rural development areas (LIS areas), exemptions can also be granted for rural development purposes.
• See current fees for construction measures for costs. An approved exemption is valid for two years.

7.4 Excavation permit and traffic management plan (TA plan)

• Required for excavation, drilling, or other work on municipal land that affects traffic (for example, material storage or scaffolding).
• See current fees for construction measures for the cost of an excavation permit (including final inspection). Additional fees apply if a re-inspection is required.
• A traffic management plan (TA plan) is required if traffic is affected and entails an extra cost. A decision usually takes about two weeks but may take longer for extensive projects.

7.5 Signs, public space, and other permits

• A building permit is required for putting up signs within detailed development plan areas, including advertising signs and business information.
• A separate permit is required if you want to use public space (such as streets, squares, or parks) for material storage, outdoor dining, or events.

8. Step-by-step checklist

1. Clarify your project — building permit, notification, or none.
2. Check the detailed development plan and local requirements via the municipal web map or website.
3. Contact the Environment and Building Department if you’re unsure.
4. Apply for a preliminary decision if you’re uncertain whether building is allowed.
5. Prepare your application with complete, professionally prepared drawings.
6. Submit your application by email to the Environment and Building Department.
7. Wait for the decision (typically within 5 weeks; maximum 20).
8. If your permit is granted → arrange the technical consultation and obtain a start permit.
9. Order setting out in good time.
10. Carry out the build in accordance with the control plan.
11. When finished: attend the final consultation → request the completion certificate.
12. Provide any additional information if requested.
    

9. Contacts and practical information

Environment and Building Department

• Phone: +46 921 620 00
• E-mail: mob@boden.se
• Address: Miljö- och byggenheten, 961 86 Boden
  

Application and notification forms

Example drawings for building permits