In short
Who can object to a building plan, and by when?
Anyone who considers themselves harmed by a deposited plan, such as neighbors and landowners, may file an objection with the planning committee. The objection is filed within 60 days of the publication of the deposit notice, with reasons and documents.
Objecting to a Plan
When a building plan is deposited, a notice is published and a period for filing objections begins. Under the Planning and Building Law, 5725-1965, anyone with an interest in land, a building or any other planning matter who considers himself or herself harmed by the plan may object, as may bodies listed in the law.
The objection is filed in writing with reasons, and with an affidavit where it relies on facts. It should rest on planning arguments: height and density, shading, traffic and parking, privacy and open spaces. A general objection without a planning rationale has almost no effect.
Objecting to a Variance or a Neighbor's Permit
A permit application that includes a variance (hakala) or a nonconforming use requires publication and notice to the owners of adjoining properties, who may file an objection with the local committee. The committee hears the objectors before deciding.
A decision of the local committee can be appealed to the district appeals committee, within a short period counted from receipt of the decision. That is why the objection should be drafted so that it can also serve as the basis for an appeal.
Compensation for Harm Caused by a Plan
An owner whose property lost value because of an approved plan, for example because of a blocked view, noise or a change of land use, may claim compensation from the local committee under section 197 of the Planning and Building Law. Such a claim is subject to a deadline set by law and relies on a real estate appraiser's opinion.
What the service includes
- Reviewing the plan or permit application
- Drafting and filing an objection
- Representation at hearings before the local and district committees
- Appeals to the appeals committee
- Compensation claims under section 197
When to contact us
- A plan was published near your home or business
- You received notice of a neighbor's permit application with a variance
- The committee rejected your objection
- Your property lost value because of an approved plan
What to bring to the meeting
- The notice of the plan's deposit or of the permit application
- The plan or application documents
- Your property's land registry extract
- Photographs of the current situation
Objecting to a Plan or Building Permit throughout Israel
The firm represents clients from all over Israel: Jerusalem and the Shfela, Be'er Sheva, Ashdod and Ashkelon, Haifa and the North, the Sharon and Gush Dan. Meetings take place at our two Modiin branches, at the WE Towers branch in Tel Aviv or by video call, and documents can be sent in advance on WhatsApp. We represent clients in the courts, the Labor Courts and before planning committees throughout Israel. How we work with clients across Israel.
Frequently asked questions
Who may object to a building plan?
Under the Planning and Building Law, anyone with an interest in land, a building or any other planning matter who considers himself or herself harmed by the plan, as well as bodies listed in the law, such as the local authority.
My neighbor is applying for a permit with a variance. Can I object?
Yes. A permit application with a variance or a nonconforming use requires publication and notice to adjoining neighbors, who may file an objection with the local committee before it decides.
What can I do if the committee rejected my objection?
You can appeal to the district appeals committee within a short period from receipt of the decision. When the plan was approved and harmed the value of your property, a compensation claim under section 197 is also examined.
