Before building a gazebo or canopy, many people ask: does it need a building permit or approval from the building authority? Since 1 August 2025, Latvia's building regulations ease the rules for small buildings, so in many cases no documents are needed. This article sums up the essentials.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Always check the exact requirements for your property with your local building authority.
Gazebos up to 25 m² – small buildings
Small buildings (mazēkas) are single-storey buildings with a footprint of up to 25 m². They include outbuildings such as sheds, canopies, greenhouses and similar. Under the amendments to Latvia's Building Regulations (Cabinet Regulation No. 529) in force since 1 August 2025:
- Outside a city a small building can be built without planning documents or building-authority approval.
- In a city – only on plots where a one- or two-apartment house may be built.
- Exception – the exemption does not apply in state-protected cultural monument areas.
For example, 3 x 4 m (12 m²), 4 x 4.5 m (18 m²) or 4 x 6 m (24 m²) gazebos are within the 25 m² limit.
What still applies without approval
- Distance to the neighbour's boundary – usually at least 4 m, unless the neighbour has agreed in writing to a different distance (the exact rule is set by local zoning regulations).
- Protection zones – for example, in power-line, road or waterway protection zones you need approval from the relevant owner.
- Fire safety and third-party rights.
- Local municipal regulations – for example, restrictions on front-garden structures.
Gazebos over 25 m²
The exemption does not apply to larger gazebos and canopies – for example 4 x 8 m (32 m²) or 6 x 12 m (72 m²). For these you usually have to submit building plan documents in Latvia's Construction Information System (BIS), and the building board decides what is required.
If you want to register the gazebo in the cadastre
Small buildings built without documents are not registered in the cadastre or land register. If you want to register the building, you must submit a construction notice in BIS.
Extension to a house
An extension added to an existing house is not a separate small building, so always ask the building authority about approval. More about extensions – our extension catalogue.
How we work: from 3D design to installation
For standard designs, we already have a ready 3D design we can send and show you – you'll see how the finished structure will look before you order.
For non-standard designs, our specialist visits and takes measurements. Then we prepare a 3D design or sketch. Once you approve it, we make all the parts in our workshop, bring them over and install the structure on site.
Contact us
We have been making and installing all over Latvia since 2008. Call +371 29 828 152, message us on WhatsApp or at info@latvijaskoks.lv – we will prepare an offer for your gazebo or canopy.