Obtain consent of neighborhood
Agency: Local Authority
BuildCo must post a sign board with specific information about the planned construction on the plot. BuildCo must obtain the non objection of neighbors and cannot begin construction until 30 days have elapsed.
Time and cost: 30 days, no charge
Hold initial consultation with local authority
Agency: Local Authority
BuildCo must obtain clearance at the initial consultation phase with as many as 14 different departments at the prefecture level. The consultations are mandated by the the Building Standards Law of Japan (Law No.201 from May 24th 1950) and vary according to the prefecture.
Time and cost: 24 days, no charge
Obtain building permit from Japan Building Center
Agency: Japan Building Center
After the initial consultation with the local authority, BuildCo must submit a building permit application. A building official from the Japan Building Center shall, upon receiving an application, examine the plan for the building concerned as to whether it conforms to the provisions related to building regulations.
Normally, architects submit the application on behalf of their clients. The Fire Office is also involved in the permit examination process. The application must be amended when any changes are made after the building permit is obtained.
Time and cost: 21 days, JPY 225,000
Request and obtain workmen’s compensation insurance proof from Labor Control Office
Agency: Labor Control Office
BuildCo must submit the Labor insurance proof 10 days prior to the first day of construction. BuildCo must also submit the estimated insurance premiums declaration to the Labor Control Office within 20 days after the construction work starts and must pay the labor insurance premiums.
No cost is incurred for obtaining confirmation.Worker compensation insurance is valid for a year, and it must be extended every year between April 1 and May 20. The Labor insurance for the construction industry is 0.2185% of the construction cost.
Time and cost: 2 days, no charge
Purchase and post statutory construction notice sign board
Agency: Local Authority
The construction notice sign board should include the following information:
- Construction company registry certificate number
- Proof of worker compensation insurance
- Building permit number
- Name of client, designer, contractor, project name, address, the person in charge, etc.
Time and cost: 1 day, JPY 50,000
Submit construction method plan to local authority and obtain approval
Agency: Local Authority
The construction method plan is submitted to the local authority with the project drawings along with an application form. The local authorities have seven days to object to the final construction method plan. A water and sewerage request is included in the submission.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Submit project safety and health and resources recycling plan to local authority and obtain approval
Agency: Local Authority
According to the Building Recycling Law, BuildCo must submit the project safety, health and resources recycling plan to the local authorities seven days before the first day of construction.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Conduct intermediate inspection and submit inspection report to the Japan Building Center
Agency: Japan Building Center
The in-house engineer responsible for building quality control must inspect structural conditions and conduct new building position surveys when the construction is half-completed. The inspection report must be submitted to the Japan Building Center. Larger buildings require the Japan Building Center and the Fire Department to conduct an on site inspection.
Time and cost: 2 days, JPY 211,000
Receive connection to water and sewage services
Agency: Tokyo Water Company
The installation cost is included in water and sewerage charges.
Time and cost: 21 days, no charge
Request and receive final inspection from Japan Building Center
Agency: Japan Building Center
A final inspection must be conducted by the Japan Building Center. If there are any outstanding issues pointed out by inspectors, remedial work must be completed and the building re-inspected before the completion certificate is issued.
Time and cost: 1 day, JPY 220,000
Obtain completion certificate
Agency: Japan Building Center
The completion certificate is required to start occupying and using the building.
Time and cost: 18 days, no charge
Register the building with the Land and Building Registry
Agency: Land and Building Registry
The building registration involves two steps. First, the description of the building should be registered (usually through a notary public). This part cannot be done by BuildCo or its lawyer. No formal registration cost is required.
Second, proof of building ownership should be registered. It takes about 10 to 14 days for the registration to be completed. The cost of proof of building ownership registration varies depending on the value of the building (0.2% of the building’s taxable value).
Time and cost: 12 days, JPY 450,250
