Navigating New Building Permission Procedures: A Guide for Builders and Inspectors
The Japan 2×4 Home Builders Association, in collaboration with Canada Wood Japan, has released a comprehensive procedure manual for obtaining building permission. This manual is designed to address significant changes to Japan’s Building Standard Law (BSL), which will take effect in April 2025.
What’s Changing?
The upcoming revisions to the BSL mark a fundamental shift in how building permits are obtained. Two major changes include:
- Structural Calculations Now Required for Single-Family Homes
Previously exempt, single-family housing projects will now need to submit structural calculations as part of the building permit application process. - Increased Shear Wall Requirements
Reflecting the heavier weight of modern housing compared to 20 years ago, the updated standards will require homes to incorporate more shear walls to meet stricter structural integrity guidelines.
These changes aim to enhance safety but are expected to introduce additional complexity and work for builders, architects, and application reviewers.
Purpose of the Manual
To ease this transition, the procedure manual offers step-by-step guidance for:
- Builders and architects: How to prepare applications in compliance with the new requirements.
- Examination bodies: How to inspect and approve building permit applications under the revised standards.
By addressing both preparation and evaluation, the manual seeks to minimize confusion and ensure a smoother transition to the new system.
Supporting the Transition
To help the industry adapt, the Japan 2×4 Home Builders Association has been hosting seminars to explain the changes and the manual’s use. These sessions will continue until the end of the current fiscal year.
Canada Wood played a key role in the development of the manual, contributing technical expertise through its involvement in the committee overseeing the project.
As the 2025 BSL revisions approach, this manual serves as an invaluable resource for all stakeholders navigating the evolving building permission landscape.