Permit for a pool up to 50 m²: the small-scale works approval in practice

What the small-scale works approval is

It is a procedure in Greek planning law for minor works, among them pools up to 50 m² of water surface. The engineer gathers the details, files them online and, once the approval is issued, work can begin.

We are not engineers and do not give legal advice. What we describe is what we see in practice on our jobs. Details for your own property will come from the engineer.

What is usually needed

• Title deeds and property details.
• A topographic survey showing the position of the pool.
• Plan and section of the pool, which we provide.
• A check that the property has no outstanding unauthorised works.
• Where needed, certificates from other authorities.

Special checks in Attica

Forest map. In pine areas such as Penteli, Dionysos, Varnavas or Salamina, it is checked whether the plot or part of it is classed as forest land.

Antiquities. Attica has many archaeological sites. In some zones excavations are declared to the Ephorate of Antiquities, which may ask for an archaeologist to be present.

Foreshore. On plots next to the sea the distance from the foreshore line is checked.

See the area by area guide for what we meet most often in each place.

How much time to allow

Timing depends mostly on whether the property's papers are already in order. If there are outstanding issues, they have to be settled first. That is why we advise finding an engineer and starting in winter if you want a pool for the summer.

Over 50 m²

If your pool exceeds 50 m² of water surface, the procedure changes and the engineer will explain what is required. Most of our clients stay under the limit: a 10 × 5 metre pool is exactly 50 m².

From our experienceOne of our clients wrote on Google that at the first meeting we explained the small-scale permit procedure. We do this at every site visit, because most delays start with the paperwork, not the building.