In Poland, what formalities apply to a project is determined not by the year of the amendment alone but by the provision as currently worded, together with its commencement date and transitional rules. Before ordering materials, check which documentation and legal basis will govern the specific construction, particularly where proceedings began earlier. Much of the Act of 4 December 2025 has applied since 7 January 2026, but individual regulations have different dates, and further amendments to the Act appeared in subsequent months.

In Poland, whether a building permit is required or notification suffices depends on the type of structure, the scope of works and statutory conditions, not merely on floor area or the lightness of the roof covering. Construction law adopts the permit as the principle, with exceptions for notification or exemption; the legal status was verified on 1 November 2026. Before building a house, a carport or reconstructing a roof, describe the planned works, prepare a drawing and photographs of the existing building, then establish the correct procedure with a designer. Remember that construction, extension, reconstruction and renovation are distinct concepts, and the local plan may impose additional requirements.

In Poland, an unauthorised construction does not always mean the same type of infringement, so the facts must first be established and the building secured. Check whether it concerns construction without the required consent or a significant departure from the design – the procedure, documents and possible consequences depend on this. Gather permits, notifications, designs, the construction log and documents concerning completion of works, then compare them with the actual state. The dates when the works were carried out and their scope are important. Remember that not all non-compliances are subject to the same procedure.