Why the descriptive number decides
Imagine that you are visited by friends who enter your address in the navigation. If the building still shows up in the system as “no no.”, the map sends them to the middle of the plot and they get lost. The descriptive number is therefore not purely an administrative quirk, it affects day-to-day logistics and security forces. The fire brigade or the rescue service use the address locations from the RÚIAN. Without a descriptive number, this prolongs the time it takes to get to the scene, which can make the difference in minutes in a crisis.
In addition, the descriptive number also protects your property. Insurance companies routinely require an accurate address to add the correct premium rate. Without it, all you get is a generic product with higher risk and therefore higher price. Only after the number has been assigned can you register a change in the land registry, declare your permanent address, enter into contracts with energy companies or insurance companies. The municipal authority then informs the building authority, which registers the change in the RÚIAN.
Are you solving a similar problem?
Proposal for entry into the Land Registry
Measure twice, cut once. That goes for official filings as well. Enrolment in the Land Registry is a formality, but a very important formality that is not to be underestimated. Do you need to register an easement in the Land Registry? Or a lien so you don’t lose the money you borrowed?
I want to help
- When you order, you know what you will get and how much it will cost.
- We handle everything online or in person at one of our 6 offices.
- We handle 8 out of 10 requests within 2 working days.
- We have specialists for every field of law.
Meet the conditions for assigning a descriptive number
Before you apply, the building must be completed and approved. The building authority will issue the approval once it has verified that the house conforms to the project documentation. Construction is rarely without minor deviations from the project. However, roofing a terrace or moving a window is not a problem. The key is to have the changes plotted in the actual construction documentation; without it, the building authority will not transfer responsibility from “builder” to “owner” and will not issue a description number.
The exceptions are recreational buildings, temporary structures and buildings not requiring a building permit – these are given a registration number, not a descriptive number. On the other hand, a descriptive number will not be assigned to small buildings of up to 16 m², accessories to other buildings or buildings in trial operation until the operation is completed and evaluated.
Do not forget to check the neighbouring plots: if several separate buildings stand on one plot, each needs its own address. This affects, for example, a combination of a single-family home and a detached garage.
Apply for a descriptive number
You address the application to the local authority, but submit it through your building authority, which will ‘forward’ the application and ensure it is formally correct. You can find the form on the website of the Ministry of Regional Development or directly at the office. You fill in the parcel number, the purpose of use, the number of storeys and attach a geometric plan with the cadastral stamp. You also attach the approval or notice of occupancy and, if you have deviated from the project, the documentation of the actual construction.
There is usually no fee for assigning a descriptive number, but some cities charge an administrative fee for issuing a written confirmation of the assignment of the descriptive number or for the physical issue of the descriptive number plate. The municipality must issue a decision within 30 days; in practice, this is usually faster. Once the number is created, the authority enters it into the RÚIAN and it becomes legally effective.
Tip for article
Construction documentation is the cornerstone of any legal construction project. Its correct preparation and submission to the authorities can significantly affect the speed and success of the entire construction procedure. We have described what stages of project documentation exist and what the documentation for building permits contains in our article.
Tell what follows after the number is assigned
The first task of the owner is to produce and attach the number plate in a visible place. The appearance is determined by the municipality and failure to mark the number is punishable by a fine. You can usually have the sign made; traditional enamel costs 400-600 CZK, the plastic version is cheaper but less resistant to UV rays. The location must be visible from the public space – a fence is not enough if there is no direct view from the street.
Once the number is on the facade, you can register the building with the land registry (change from “under construction” to “completed”), register for real estate tax, declare permanent residence and business address, and consolidate the address in contracts. The change of address should be listed in a checklist: land registry, tax office, trade register, health insurance, energy suppliers, insurance company and vehicle register. Banks require a reference number to draw down the last part of the mortgage and the Post Office will not usually deposit a parcel without one.
Deal with special situations without stress
Municipalities assign descriptive numbers sequentially; if there is no vacant number, the series moves on. When renumbering for new construction, dozens of addresses may be moved, which is inconvenient for residents. The law therefore strictly limits renumbering and the municipality must justify the public interest. The cost of replacing the plates on existing houses is borne by the municipal budget.
If you convert a holiday home to year-round living, it can be reclassified and given a descriptive number. However, you must prove the change of use of the building and meet the parameters of a single-family house – otherwise you will be stuck with the registration number. If the municipality denies the number, appeal to the county; if the legal conditions are met, the appeal is usually successful.
Summary
When planning a building, therefore, make a timeline right from the start: design – permit – construction – approval – description number. Each stage has its own formalities, and the better prepared you are, the sooner you will move into a house that already exists on the map.
There are five steps to obtaining a descriptive number: completing the construction, obtaining approval, applying for a descriptive number, waiting for registration in the RÚIAN and finally marking the house with a plaque. Each of these steps has its own deadlines, but with careful preparation you can complete them within a few weeks.
