An online webinar was held jointly by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan, and the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Participants were provided with detailed information on the consistent reforms implemented in recent years in the issuance of construction and operation permits for building projects, as well as the new opportunities created in this field. The advantages of the “Single Window” electronic system, which has simplified the permitting procedure, were also highlighted.

At the same time, extensive discussions were held with design companies participating in the meeting on urban planning issues, including shortcomings observed in previous years during the preparation of urban development and construction projects, the results of analyses conducted by the Committee to improve project quality, and the necessary measures to be taken in this direction.

In order to implement the relevant Presidential Decree of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 28 December 2018, the portal (www.birpencere.arxkom.gov.az), established by the Committee and launched in early 2019, initially enabled the issuance of construction and operation permits for various types of building projects and warehouse facilities that do not require expertise under Article 89 of the Urban Planning and Construction Code. However, the functionality of the system has since been significantly expanded. Currently, users can also obtain operation permits for construction projects that require expert review through the “Single Window” electronic system.

As a result of procedural simplification, it is now possible to obtain construction permits for various types of buildings and warehouses not requiring expertise within 15 days, and operation permits within 10 days. Both permits are issued free of charge for projects not subject to expert review.

In addition to the organizing institutions, employees from relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Health, Azerishiq OJSC, and AzerSu OJSC, also participated in the webinar. The functionality of the “Single Window” system and the permitting procedures were demonstrated step by step to participants.

It was noted that work is ongoing to further enhance the system by adding new service types, and by the end of the year, it is expected that permits for all types of construction projects will be available through the portal.

Furthermore, given that all urban development processes begin with design, special emphasis was placed on the responsibility of design organizations at the preparatory stage prior to the permitting process. Compliance with territorial planning documents and all requirements of urban planning legislation primarily depends on design institutions. In this regard, alongside the activities of regulatory authorities, the role and quality of work of design organizations, which are the first point of contact for construction clients, were highlighted as key factors affecting the overall quality of urban development.

During the meeting, common errors in submitted construction designs and the results of ongoing analyses conducted by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture to improve project quality were presented, and relevant recommendations were provided to design organizations. Proposals from representatives of design institutions were also heard and recorded, and questions regarding the preparation of digital project documentation in accordance with the requirements of the “Single Window” permit system were addressed.