In September 2026, Stavanger Municipality became the first in Norway to issue a fully automated building permit. An application for chimney renovation was approved in just 50 seconds, without the involvement of a municipal case officer.
While the application itself was relatively straightforward, the achievement represents an important step towards more efficient public administration. It also provides a practical example of how transparent and standardised regulatory requirements can enable faster approval processes.
From weeks to seconds
Stavanger receives more than 100 applications for chimney renovations annually. Previously, these applications entered the same queue as more complex construction projects, potentially resulting in waiting times of several days or even weeks.
Under the new system, applications submitted digitally by qualified professionals are automatically checked against predefined requirements. If all conditions are met, the system issues a legally binding permit, without requiring manual intervention.
The solution was developed through cooperation between Stavanger Municipality, the Norwegian Building Authority (DiBK), and technology providers Sikri and Norkart.
Importantly, the system does not rely on artificial intelligence. Instead, it uses rule-based automation, drawing on standardised checklists to verify whether an application meets the necessary requirements.
This distinction matters. By establishing clear, consistent and digitally verifiable criteria, routine decisions can be automated while maintaining transparency, accountability and the possibility of appeal.
A relevant example for Europe
Stavanger’s initiative comes at a time when regulatory simplification and faster permitting have become central priorities in European policymaking.
The European Commission has identified administrative complexity and lengthy approval procedures as barriers to investment, innovation and competitiveness. Its simplification agenda seeks to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining regulatory standards.
The Stavanger experience illustrates how part of this challenge can be addressed at the administrative level.
Rather than relying exclusively on emerging technologies or reducing regulatory requirements, authorities can improve efficiency by making existing rules clearer, more consistent and easier to apply digitally.
Where requirements are sufficiently standardised and transparent, applications can be assessed against predefined criteria, reducing uncertainty for applicants and preventing routine cases from becoming trapped in administrative queues.
Although more complex permits will continue to require human judgement, the underlying principle is relevant beyond building administration. Similar approaches could be explored by European regions and municipalities seeking to streamline licensing and approval procedures.
Making better use of public resources
The value of automation is not simply about replacing municipal employees, but about making better use of their expertise while providing residents and businesses with faster and more efficient services.
By automating straightforward applications and equipping case officers with better digital tools, municipalities can reduce unnecessary waiting times and free up resources for more complex cases that require professional judgement and individual assessment.
This allows administrative staff to devote more time to providing guidance, resolving complicated applications and assisting applicants who need additional support.
For residents and businesses, the benefits are equally clear: shorter waiting times, more predictable procedures and potentially lower administrative costs.
The next steps
Stavanger Municipality is already exploring the automation of additional procedures, including completion certificates and temporary occupancy permits.
The municipality aims to introduce further automated services before the end of 2026, building on the experience gained from its first fully automated building permit.
The standardised requirements developed in cooperation with DiBK could also provide a foundation for other Norwegian municipalities to adopt similar solutions.
For European regions facing pressure to accelerate investment and improve public services, Stavanger offers a practical case study: Stavanger’s experience illustrates how digitalisation and standardised administrative procedures can reduce processing times and improve the efficiency of public services. The approach could offer useful lessons for other European regions seeking to streamline permitting processes.