Inspection of the site during a field visit. Photo: City of Riihimäki

Deviation permits and placement permits

Construction must in principle be based on the valid local plan. It is possible to deviate from the local plan under certain conditions, in which case a deviation permit must be applied for before the construction permit. Sometimes a construction project does not require a construction permit, but does need a deviation permit.

Construction outside the local plan area requires that the conditions for placement according to the Building Act are met. According to the Building Act, these can be examined in connection with the building permit, which examines both the conditions for placement and implementation. To apply for a building permit, you can contact the city To apply for a building permit, you can contact the building control department of the City of Riihimäki..

To clarify the conditions for investment, you can also apply for a separate investment permit before the construction permit stage. To apply for an investment permit and/or a deviation permit, you can contact the city's planning department (contact information at the bottom of the page).

As a general rule, a deviation permit must be applied for for a construction project if the construction deviates from the Construction Act or the Land Use Act or from the provisions and regulations issued under them, such as the Decree on the Construction Act, the Finnish Building Regulations, local and master plans or Building order of Riihimäki city. A deviation can only be granted on certain grounds and only for a specific reason. The permit applicant must state where and how the project deviates and justify the deviations. The zoning manager decides on the deviation permit. The permit is valid for two years. During this period, a construction permit must be applied for, if the project requires it.

You can apply for a deviation permit in the electronic service. If this is not possible, you can submit a paper application to the city registry office.

Before applying, please read the application instructions. For more information and instructions, you can also contact the planning department (contact information at the bottom of the page).
In the building regulations of the city of Riihimäki. (June 14, 2022) the entire area outside the city's local plan has been defined as a planning need area. In a planning need area, a construction permit must generally be applied for in order to obtain a building permit. With the Construction Act, which came into force at the beginning of 2025, you can apply directly for a building permit, in connection with which the fulfillment of the requirements for investment will also be examined.

The conditions for placement can also be examined in advance by applying for a separate placement permit before the construction permit phase. In connection with the placement permit, there may also be a need to apply for deviations from, for example, the building regulations. When building on a waterfront area, a deviation from the planning needs of the waterfront area must be applied for.

You can apply for an investment permit in the electronic services. If this is not possible, you can submit a paper application to the city registry office.

Before applying, please read the application instructions. For more information and instructions, you can also contact the planning department (contact information at the bottom of the page).
The zoning permit processing fees have been determined as part of the zoning-related fees. The Vitality Board has approved the zoning-related fees by its decision of 12 December 2024, Section 168, which will apply from 1 February 2025:

Zoning-related fees. (PDF file.)
The application procedure is the same for both a deviation permit and an investment permit. Please read the instructions before submitting your application.

Instructions for applying for a deviation permit and placement permit. (PDF file.)

If necessary, you can book a meeting with experts at the planning office (address: Eteläinen Asemakatu 2).

Applying for a permit

Apply for a deviation permit and/or placement permit primarily through the electronic service.

If you do not have access to the electronic service, you can submit the application form and attachments in paper form. To the Riihimäki City Registry Office.

Application form. (PDF file)

Reminder form for consultation with neighbors. (PDF file)

Electronic transaction service