Planning and construction lawyer - legal support in licensing and regulatory procedures

Adato Law Firm represents developers, real‑estate companies, and rights holders throughout all planning and construction procedures — from submitting plans to obtaining a building permit.
We represent clients before planning committees, permitting authorities, and regulatory bodies, bringing extensive practical experience in advancing complex projects across Israel.

 

Areas of Practice

 

What does our legal support include?

Guidance in Permitting and Building‑Permit Procedures

Obtaining a building permit is a complex process that requires meeting numerous requirements set by various entities — local committees, city engineers, licensing departments, and government authorities. We accompany developers and rights holders through every stage of the permitting process, ensuring compliance with requirements and preventing costly delays.

 

Advancing Urban Building Plans (TABA)

Land‑use changes, increased building rights, lot splitting, and parcel unification all require advancing complex statutory plans. We guide the process from the outset: formulating the plan, submitting it to the committees, managing hearings and objections, and continuing through to final approval and publication in the official records.

 

Representation Before Local and District Planning Committees

Professional representation before planning committees is critical to a project’s success. We appear before local and district committees, present the client’s position clearly and effectively, and manage the process while minimizing the risk of rejection or delay.

 

Handling Objections to Plans

Submitting an objection to a building plan — or responding to an objection filed against a project — requires deep familiarity with planning law and relevant case law. We represent clients on both sides: drafting well‑reasoned objections and defending plans against objections.

 

Appeals of Planning Committee Decisions

An incorrect decision by a planning committee is not the end of the road. We have extensive experience filing administrative appeals and petitions to the court against committee decisions, achieving outcomes that can significantly change the course of a project in the client’s favor.

 

Betterment Levy (Hetel Hashbacha) and Building Rights

The betterment levy — imposed when a plan increases a property’s value — often leads to significant disputes with the local authority. We assist clients in reviewing levy assessments, filing objections, and managing proceedings before an appraiser‑arbitrator, with the goal of reducing the charge and protecting the client’s financial interests.

 

Construction Enforcement and Demolition Orders

Receiving a demolition order or enforcement notice from the local authority requires swift and professional action. We represent property owners in enforcement proceedings, file requests to stay execution, explore options for legalizing the construction, and manage the process with the authorities to minimize damage.

 

Our Approach

Preventing Problems — Not Just Solving Them

Experience shows that delays and disputes in planning and construction procedures often stem from mismanagement at early stages. Legal guidance from the very beginning — even before submitting the first plan — allows us to identify obstacles in advance, build the right strategy, and approach planning committees prepared and confident.

The combination of deep legal expertise and practical field experience enables us to advance processes efficiently — and avoid the painful delays that firms without specialized experience often create.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a local committee and a district committee?
The local planning and building committee handles building‑permit applications and detailed local plans. The district committee deals with broader‑impact plans — land‑use changes, master plans, and large‑scale projects. Each committee has different procedures, timelines, and considerations — and it is important to understand both.

What is a betterment levy and when is it paid?
A betterment levy is a payment to the local authority equal to 50% of the increase in property value resulting from the approval of a new building plan. It is charged when rights are realized — selling the property, obtaining a building permit, or splitting a lot. It is possible to challenge the assessment, and reductions can sometimes be substantial.

What should you do if you receive a demolition order?
Contact an attorney immediately. Demolition orders come with short deadlines, and delays reduce available defense options. Several courses of action exist — stay of execution, a request to legalize the construction, or appealing the order — and choosing the right path quickly is essential.

Can planning committee decisions be appealed?
Yes. Decisions of local committees can be appealed to the district appeals committee, and certain decisions can be petitioned to the Administrative Court. The success of an appeal depends on the quality of the legal arguments and familiarity with relevant case law — an area where our experience is invaluable.

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Planning a project? Facing regulatory hurdles? We’re here to help.

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