The Sofia Municipal Council has approved a proposal to increase construction-related fees, including building permits, in a move expected to add BGN 30 million annually to the city's budget. The update, tabled by the civic group Spasi Sofia, was passed with broad political support during a council meeting on Thursday.

According to Boris Bonev from Spasi Sofia, the adjustment addresses a long-overdue need for a fairer pricing model for technical services provided by the municipality. His colleague, municipal councilor and architect Rositsa Nikolova, emphasized that the fees had not been updated since 2006 - despite significant rises in costs related to labor, energy, and digital services.

The revised structure is based on an official inflation index of 98.6%, reflecting a near doubling of overall costs between 2007 and 2025. The new scheme also introduces charges for services that were previously provided free of charge. Under the new system, the fee for a building permit will now range from BGN 7.50 to BGN 27.50, depending on the specifics of the project.

Architect Nikolova noted that the changes aim to correct past imbalances and ensure that developers contribute more fairly to the city's infrastructure. She added that this marks an end to “bonuses” for construction investors, aligning their financial responsibilities more closely with the public benefit.

The funds raised through the increased fees are intended to address long-standing issues in Sofia’s neighborhoods, where infrastructure and public services often lag behind development.