Steps to Start a Construction Project in Israel

Understanding the Process

• Pre-Planning: Understanding Plans

  • Town Plans (TP): These include Master Plans, which set broad guidelines, and Specific Plans, which offer detailed construction permissions. Future Plans represent projects in the pipeline with no statutory status yet.
  • Initiating Plans: Both individuals and organizations can initiate plans, though larger projects are typically government-led.

• Approval Process Overview

  • Submission: Begin by submitting your plan to the Local Planning Committee, which reviews and advises.
  • Appeals: If your plan faces rejection, you have the option to appeal to the Jerusalem Regional Planning Committee.
  • Public Review: Once approved for deposit, plans are open for public objections for 60 days.
  • Post-Approval: After public review, plans need final approvals, possibly from the Minister of Interior, before building permits can be issued.

• Timeline and Considerations

  • Time Frame: This process might take at least two years, influenced by bureaucratic or political factors.
  • Government Influence: Government intervention is possible, especially for projects on state land or those with governmental backing.

• Post-Approval Actions

  • Tenders and Permits: Tenders aren’t automatic post-approval but are crucial for government projects. Building permits dictate what can be constructed.
  • Execution: Once tenders are awarded, construction must commence within a specified time to avoid penalties.

• Legal and Financial Aspects

  • Freezing Plans: Post-tender, freezing a plan is complex due to legal and financial implications for involved parties.

Key Milestones

• Milestone 1: Submission to Local Planning Committee – The first step where your project vision meets regulatory scrutiny.
• Milestone 2: Public Review – Your chance to address community feedback, potentially refining your project for broader acceptance.
• Milestone 3: Building Permit Issuance – The green light for construction, symbolizing the culmination of planning efforts.

First-Hand Experience

Visualizing Your Journey

• A timeline from plan submission to construction start, highlighting key stages and timeframes.
• Illustrating the decision-making process involving local and regional committees.

The Planning and Building Law in Israel

• Core Legislation: The Planning and Building Law, 1965 is the cornerstone for all construction activities in Israel, dictating how land can be developed, from zoning to building permissions.
• Regulation: It ensures that development aligns with national and municipal interests, focusing on sustainability, safety, and cultural preservation.

The Largest Construction Company in Israel

• A. Dori Group: Known for its significant role in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, A. Dori Group stands as one of the largest and most influential construction companies in Israel. Their portfolio includes iconic buildings and urban regeneration projects, showcasing their expertise in large-scale development.

Submitting Form 701 for Construction Projects

• Who Should Apply: Contractors developing new projects for business inventory sales.
• Required Attachments:
  • Construction permit
  • Specification per Sale of Apartments Law – 2013
  • Zero Report
• Application Process:
  • Online: Use user identification for secure submission.
  • Offline: Mail or in-person submission at regional offices.
• Post-Submission: Contact your assessor for tax exemption approval.

Actionable Tips for New Olim in Construction

• Adapt to Local Practices: The shift from wooden to concrete frames in Israel requires new learning.
• Master Hebrew: Effective communication is key; basic trade terms in Hebrew can be a game-changer.
• Navigate Bureaucracy: Familiarize yourself with the permit acquisition process to avoid legal pitfalls.

Trust and Authority

• Sources: Information herein is based on the Ministry of Construction and Housing’s policies, legal texts like the Planning and Building Law, and insights from experienced professionals in the field.
• Author’s Credentials: [Insert Author’s Name], a seasoned architect with over a decade of experience in Israeli construction, contributing firsthand knowledge.

Engagement and Sharing

• Social Media Quote: “Launching a construction project in Israel? Here’s your step-by-step guide to navigate from blueprint to brick! #ConstructionInIsrael #RealEstateTips”
• Shareable Content: A checklist for each stage of the construction approval process for easy reference or sharing.