The Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) is set to revive regulations that facilitate energy self-generation using photovoltaic systems in apartment complexes and commercial properties, including shops, offices, and businesses.

A clause in the omnibus bill introduced by Minister Theodoros Skylakakis to the Cabinet proposes allowing photovoltaic installations in shared or co-owned spaces with approval from just 51% of residents, following EU Commission guidelines.

Implementing the 51% threshold requires bypassing building regulations that block solar system installations. Legal complications surrounding shared ownership of spaces, such as rooftops, must also be resolved.

Although a similar provision was included in a ministerial decision last summer, it was removed before publication in the Government Gazette. Efforts are now focused on creating a legally sound regulation to ensure it progresses to parliamentary approval.

A €100 million subsidy has been allocated to provide free electricity for vulnerable households through photovoltaic systems.

The proposed reforms allow for adaptable land use and building rules, as part of the “Konstantinos Doxiadis” initiative to extend urban planning to 80% of Greece. Adjustments include planning for future land use and reducing minimum plot sizes in unregulated areas for residential and tourism purposes.

General Secretary for Spatial Planning and Urban Environment Efthymios Bakoyiannis has suggested that, once infrastructure projects are in place, minimum plot sizes could be halved, provided they remain above 4 acres.

To assist citizens and authorities, several urban planning deadlines are expected to be extended:
– Legalization Submissions: The deadline for applying under laws 4178/13 and 4495/17 may be extended to late 2025.
– Building Permits: A three-year extension might be granted for construction on unregulated plots and public projects.
– Pre-Approval Applications: Deadlines for permits and pre-approvals for exceptional plots under 4 acres may be extended to March 2024.

These measures aim to protect building rights for applications submitted before December 9, 2022. Additional three-year extensions are being considered for public projects derived from architectural competition proposals.