More businesses, property owners and cities are commissioning murals to make buildings and public spaces more distinctive. A mural can bring a brand message, local identity or a particular atmosphere into the cityscape.
Before painting begins, the property owner must approve the project. Depending on the mural’s size, location and how long it will remain in place, a permit from the city may also be required.
Large and permanent murals on exterior walls usually require careful planning and contact with the local Building Control Services. In some cases, nearby residents must also be consulted. The process may sound complicated, but an experienced mural company can manage it as part of the project.
When Does a Mural Need a Permit?
Permit requirements depend on the project. The main factors include:
- the size and type of mural
- the city and property where it will be painted
- how long it will remain in place
- how visible it will be
- the painting method and materials
Rules and practices vary between municipalities in Finland, so every project must be checked separately. One of the main questions is whether the mural will significantly change the exterior of the building or the appearance of the surrounding area.
Below, we explain the process in Helsinki. The same basic principles often apply elsewhere in Finland, but the requirements should always be confirmed with the local authorities.
Mural Permits in Helsinki
The City of Helsinki’s Building Control Services is responsible for permits relating to buildings and changes to the cityscape.
According to the City of Helsinki’s guidance, a mural that remains in place for more than two weeks will usually require a permit. If the painting has an impact on the cityscape or landscape, the required approval is called an action permit.
A permit is commonly required for:
- murals on apartment buildings
- wall paintings on industrial and commercial buildings
- large murals in prominent locations
Small or temporary murals displayed for less than two weeks may not require a permit. Legal graffiti walls maintained by the City of Helsinki’s Youth Services do not require a separate permit. Indoor murals do not usually require a city permit, although the property owner’s approval is still needed.
Because every location is different, the permit requirements should always be confirmed before the project begins. In Helsinki, advice can be requested through the Lupapiste online service.
How Does the Permit Process Work?
The property owner normally applies for the permit. For an apartment building, the applicant is usually the housing company. The owner can also authorise a representative, such as the company producing the mural, to prepare and manage the application.
The process usually has three stages:
1. Checking whether a permit is needed
The project is presented to Building Control Services through Lupapiste. They confirm whether a permit is required and explain how to proceed.
2. Preparing the application
The application is submitted through Lupapiste. It may include photographs of the location, drawings of the wall, a visual mock-up of the mural and information about how the painting will be carried out.
3. Reviewing the application
Building Control Services reviews the plans and may request further information or changes. The time required varies, so the process should begin well before the planned painting date.
Other Permissions and Arrangements
Other permissions may be needed if the painting takes place next to a street, in a courtyard or close to traffic. These may include:
- permission to use or close off part of a street, pavement or courtyard
- permission to place an access platform, scaffolding or other equipment
- traffic and site safety arrangements
Neighbours or nearby residents may also need to be informed or consulted. Building Control Services will confirm whether this is required.
FunkOn’s Support with Mural Permits
Permit requirements and technical planning can feel complicated, especially when commissioning a mural for the first time. A successful project requires artistic skill, careful planning, communication with the authorities and practical project management.
FunkOn plans and paints murals and has experience with both permit applications and technical production. We can manage the necessary checks, plans, application documents and communication with the authorities as part of the mural project.
This helps the project move smoothly from the first idea to the finished mural, with the necessary permissions handled before painting begins.
Interested in commissioning a mural?
