Kaohsiung Interior Renovation Permits: Your Complete Guide to Process & Costs

Kaohsiung City Special Feature 1/4

Kaohsiung Interior Renovation Permit Application: Process and Fee Overview | Complete Guide

The process for applying for an interior renovation permit in Kaohsiung City differs from other municipalities. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the complete application process, fee structure, and important considerations for Kaohsiung City, helping you navigate the application smoothly.

Kaohsiung Interior Renovation Permit Overview

According to the Kaohsiung City Bureau of Building Management regulations, a permit is required before commencing interior renovation work, especially for projects involving structural changes, alterations to fire-rated partitions, or the addition of bathrooms. The application process is divided into several key stages, typically taking 20-45 business days from document preparation to final permit issuance.

Important Information: Starting in 2023, Kaohsiung City has implemented a “paperless interior renovation review” initiative, allowing some applications to be processed online, thereby accelerating the review process.

📝Preparation PhaseDocument Preparation & Planning📤Application PhaseSubmission & Fee Payment🔍Review PhaseDocument & Technical Review✅Issuance PhasePermit Approval & Record Filing

Eligibility and Scope of Application

Renovation Types Requiring a Permit

According to the Kaohsiung City Bureau of Building Management, the following interior renovation situations require a permit:

• Structural Changes: Demolition or alteration of load-bearing walls, columns, beams, floors, or roof structures.
• Fire-Rated Partition Alterations: Changes to fire-rated walls, fire doors, or windows, and other fire and safety facilities.
• Partition Wall Modifications: Adding or altering partition walls that result in an increased number of habitable rooms.
• Equipment Additions: Installation of new toilets, bathrooms, or kitchens.
• Ceiling Height Changes: Lowering ceiling height that may affect fire safety.

⚠️ Note: Even seemingly simple tasks like installing suspended ceilings or built-in cabinets may require a permit if they impact fire safety or building structure. Unauthorized construction can result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000.

Minor Renovations Exempt from Permit Requirements

The following minor renovation projects are exempt from permit requirements:

Surface Finishes

Surface renovations such as painting, wallpapering, or replacing floor tiles that do not involve structural changes.

Furniture Arrangement

Installation of modular furniture or cabinetry that does not alter the structure and does not impede escape routes.

Equipment Updates

Updating bathroom fixtures or kitchen appliances without increasing their number or changing their location.

Recommendation: If you are unsure whether a permit is required, it’s best to consult with the Kaohsiung City Bureau of Building Management or a professional architect to avoid violations.

Detailed Application Process Breakdown

Phase 1: Preparation and Document Creation

Complete documentation, certified by qualified technical personnel, is required before application:

• Application Form (Standard format from the Kaohsiung City Bureau of Building Management)
• Proof of Building Rights (Ownership certificate or Certificate of Occupancy)
• Interior Renovation Design Drawings (Floor plans, elevations, sections)
• Certification Form from an Architect or Professional Design Technician
• Building Structural Safety Certificate (if structural changes are involved)
• Fire Safety Equipment Plan (if fire-rated partitions are altered)

Engage Professionals: Hire an architect or a professional interior design technician to prepare drawings and certifications.

Drawing Preparation: Create floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed drawings that comply with regulations.

Document Certification: Ensure all documents are certified by a professional technician to confirm compliance with building and fire safety laws.

Document Verification: Confirm that all documents are complete and adhere to Kaohsiung City’s specified format.

Phase 2: Submission and Fee Payment

Submit the prepared documents to the Kaohsiung City Bureau of Building Management and pay the required fees:

Submission Methods: Documents can be submitted in person to the Bureau or via the online system.

Fee Payment: Fees are calculated based on the project cost and can be paid in person or online.

Receipt: Obtain an application receipt and case number for future tracking.

Correction Notice: If documents are incomplete, you will be notified for corrections within 7 days.

Kaohsiung City Bureau of Building Management Information

Address: 6th Floor, No. 2, Siwei 3rd Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City

Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Online Application: Kaohsiung City Building Management Information System

Phase 3: Review Process

After submission, the application enters the review phase, including document and technical reviews:

Review Type	Review Content	Review Time	Common Correction Items
Document Review	Application format, completeness of documents, validity of certifications	3-5 business days	Missing documents, incomplete signatures, incorrect format
Technical Review	Compliance with regulations, structural safety, fire safety	10-20 business days	Insufficient fire safety equipment, incorrect structural calculations, non-compliant escape routes
On-site Inspection	On-site verification when necessary	Scheduled as needed	Discrepancies with existing conditions, concerns about impact on neighboring properties

Standard Review Timeline

20-30 business days for general cases without required corrections.

Expedited Review Cases

10-15 business days for eligible cases with complete documentation.

Phase 4: Permit Issuance and Construction

Upon successful review, the permit is issued, and construction can commence:

Permit Issuance: An interior renovation construction permit is issued after the review is approved.

Permit Display: The permit must be prominently displayed at the construction site.

Construction Period: Construction must adhere to the approved drawings; design changes are not permitted without re-application.

Completion Application: Apply for a completion inspection after the project is finished.

Certificate of Compliance: A Certificate of Compliance for Interior Renovation is issued upon successful inspection.

⚠️ Important: Any design changes during construction require a new permit application. Failure to build according to approved plans or making unauthorized modifications will prevent passing the completion inspection and may result in penalties.

Fee Structure Overview

Government Fees

• Review Fee: Calculated based on project cost, typically 0.1% to 0.5% of the construction value.
• Permit Fee: Approximately NT$500-NT$1,000 for permit issuance.
• Other Fees: On-site inspection fees (if required), fees for re-review after corrections.

Note: Fees are subject to policy adjustments; please refer to the latest official announcements.

Professional Service Fees

• Architect’s Certification Fee: NT$15,000-NT$50,000 (depending on project complexity).
• Design Drawing Preparation: NT$10,000-NT$30,000.
• Structural Calculation Certification: NT$10,000-NT$40,000 (if required).
• Fire Safety Equipment Certification: NT$5,000-NT$20,000 (if required).

Other Potential Costs

• Correction Fees: Additional review fees may apply for each correction.
• Extension Fees: Fees for permit extension applications.
• Design Changes: Fees for re-applying after design modifications.
• Completion Inspection: Fees related to the final inspection.

Special Regulations and Convenient Measures in Kaohsiung City

Convenient Service Measures

The Kaohsiung City Bureau of Building Management offers several convenient services to expedite the application process:

Online Application System

Provides 24-hour online application services, reducing the need for in-person visits.

Pre-Application Consultation Service

Offers pre-application consultations to minimize the number of required corrections.

Expedited Review Channel

Eligible projects can apply for expedited review to shorten the processing time.

Recommendation: Before applying, you can check relevant regulations and download application forms through the “Kaohsiung City Building Management Information System” to save preparation time.

Frequently Asked Questions and Important Considerations

✅ Keys to Success

• Consult with a professional architect or designer before applying.
• Ensure all documents are complete and in the correct format.
• Choose experienced professional technical personnel for certification.
• Utilize Kaohsiung City’s online application system to save time.
• Allocate sufficient time for the review process to avoid construction delays.

❌ Common Mistakes

• Incomplete or incorrectly formatted documents.
• Lack of certification by a qualified technical professional.
• Designs that do not comply with building regulations.
• Underestimating the time required for review.
• Construction deviating from approved plans.

The Key to a Smooth Application: Preparation and Professionalism

While the process for obtaining an interior renovation permit in Kaohsiung City follows established procedures, thorough preparation and professional assistance can ensure a smooth application. The key lies in complete documentation, compliant design, and selecting the right application strategy.

Remember: Legal application is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial step in ensuring construction safety and quality. Start planning your application process today!