Building regulations on Paros island

To protect the island’s unique local architecture the local administration has taken precautions and introduced very strict building regulations. All the new buildings constructed on the island have to follow the typical Cycladic architectural style in order to leave unharmed the beauty of the island. Some of the most important regulations are the following:

1. Houses cannot exceed 2 floors (ground and first) and the first floor area must be equal or less than 1/3 of the ground floor. Building a basement is allowed.

 

 

2 . If you build outside the city plan the minimum land area required to obtain building permission is 8000 m² if the title is new (recent subdivision). For titles related before 1993 the minimum area is 4000 m². The maximum livable surface area of the building is 200 m² on 4000 m² of land and 280 m² on 8000 m² of land but one can add 25 m² of garage area.

 

 

3. If you built inside the city plan the maximum livable surface of the building can be much more than if you build outside the city plan. Inside the settlements houses are connected to each other or only have very little space in between them.

 

 

 

4. Doors and windows must be made of wood and must conform to certain aesthetic standards.

5. Terraces can be added to the house without building permission and they to not count as livable surface.

 

 

 

6. Buildings need to be white wased. (This is the law from 2006 onwards. Does not apply for building permits given before this date. Otherwise you won't get electricity)