Getting a site plan approved is one of the most important steps before any legal construction project can begin in Albania. Whether you’re planning a residential building, a commercial unit, or a larger development, the site plan is what determines if your project fits the legal and technical framework of the area. Without approval, you cannot apply for a construction permit or move forward with building. This process is mandatory for both locals and foreign investors. Knowing exactly how it works can save you time, money, and frustration.
Zoning determines everything
Before designing your site plan, you need to confirm that the land is eligible for development. Every municipality in Albania has an urban zoning plan that defines how land can be used. These rules include maximum building heights, allowed density, distance from plot borders, road access, and more. You must check the zoning classification of your plot and understand the restrictions that apply to that area. If the land is in a restricted or agricultural zone, the site plan will be rejected automatically.
Your architect must handle the technical design
The site plan is not just a simple drawing. It must be prepared by a licensed Albanian architect or engineer and must reflect all technical, structural, and urban regulations. The architect will review the zoning, survey the land, and prepare a detailed layout showing the position of the building, access roads, green space, utility lines, and more. They will also prepare an explanatory report that describes how the layout respects the planning rules.
Site plans that are missing key details or based on outdated surveys are the number one reason applications get rejected.
Required documents vary slightly by municipality
Each planning office may have its own checklist, but generally you’ll need to submit:
-
The property ownership certificate from the Cadastre
-
A recent topographic survey of the land
-
The architect’s license and authorization
-
A zoning confirmation or land use statement
-
The full layout plan and technical report
If your project is in a historical area, protected zone, or close to national infrastructure, you may need additional permits or clearance letters from other authorities.
Municipal review takes time and often requires adjustments
Once submitted, the site plan is reviewed by the municipality’s urban planning department. They check whether the project respects the zoning rules, access requirements, surface limits, and development goals of the area. If the site plan passes this stage, it is sent for approval to the technical council or the mayor’s office.
If there are issues, you’ll receive a list of required changes. In most cases, this includes small adjustments to orientation, boundary distances, or infrastructure layout. Larger problems such as excessive building volume or zoning violations will require a full redesign.
Most approvals take between two and six weeks, but this varies depending on the municipality and how complex the project is.
Approval unlocks the next stage of development
Once your site plan is approved, you receive an official decision from the municipality. This approval allows you to proceed with the full technical design and begin applying for the construction permit. Without site plan approval, you cannot move forward and you cannot legally build even if you own the land.
This decision is valid only for the approved layout. If you later want to change the project or relocate the structure, you will need to submit a new application or request a modification.
Mistakes can delay your project for months
Many investors waste time because they assume the site plan is a simple formality. In reality, poor planning, missing documents, or hiring the wrong professionals can delay your entire development. If you want to avoid months of back-and-forth, work with an architect who knows the local rules, understands the municipality’s preferences, and can prepare everything properly from the beginning.
Even small mistakes like an outdated property certificate or an incorrect zoning code can result in rejection and resubmission. If your time is valuable, make sure the process is handled correctly from day one.