PBG Building Permit Surabaya – Your Legal Guide to Construction Approval

Planning to build, renovate, or change the use of a property in Surabaya? Whether you’re developing a residential villa, commercial building, industrial facility, or hospitality project, one legal requirement stands at the core of it all—the PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung), or building permit.

At The Bali Lawyer, while our office is based in Bali, we provide nationwide legal services, including comprehensive support for PBG building permit applications in Surabaya. Our legal experts help ensure your project complies with the latest Indonesian building regulations so you can move forward confidently—without delays, legal risks, or fines.

What is a PBG in Indonesia?

PBG, or Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung, is the official government-issued permit that ensures your building complies with national and regional construction regulations. It replaced the former IMB (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) as of 2021, under Government Regulation No. 16 of 2021.

A PBG is required before:

  • Starting new construction

  • Expanding or modifying an existing structure

  • Renovating or restoring a building

  • Changing the function or use of a building (e.g., from residential to commercial)

  • Registering a property for utilities, occupancy, or business use

In Surabaya, a fast-developing urban area with strict zoning enforcement, securing a PBG is mandatory for all types of construction projects.

Why You Need a PBG Building Permit in Surabaya

Without a valid PBG, your building project in Surabaya is not legally recognized. This could expose you to:

  • Construction stop orders issued by Dinas PUPR (Public Works Department)

  • Fines and penalties for zoning or safety violations

  • Ineligibility for building occupancy certificates (SLF)

  • Problems with land ownership verification, resale, or lease agreements

  • Rejection of business licensing applications

  • Legal disputes with neighbors, contractors, or investors

The PBG is a protective legal measure for your investment. It ensures that your structure is safe, functional, and compliant with local building codes.

Who Needs a PBG in Surabaya?

Every property owner or project developer must secure a PBG when involved in:

  • Private homes and residential villas

  • Commercial spaces such as malls, shops, restaurants, or offices

  • Hotels, guesthouses, and resorts

  • Warehouses and manufacturing facilities

  • Healthcare buildings, schools, or educational institutions

  • Multi-story or mixed-use developments

  • Public or religious buildings

  • Government or community centers

From small property upgrades to large-scale construction, a PBG is a legal necessity in Surabaya.

The Bali Lawyer – Legal Services for PBG in Surabaya

At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in helping clients obtain legal permits for construction projects across Indonesia. Our PBG service in Surabaya is designed to provide full legal support from start to finish.

1. Legal Consultation and Project Assessment

We start by reviewing your:

  • Land certificate or lease agreement

  • Intended use of the building

  • Site location and zoning status

  • Design plans and building purpose

This allows us to identify legal feasibility and determine if any zoning or compliance issues could arise before you begin.

2. Document Preparation

Applying for a PBG requires a complete and precise set of documents. We help you prepare:

  • Land status documents (SHM, HGB, HPL, or lease agreements)

  • Site and architectural drawings

  • Structural and mechanical engineering plans

  • Utility, drainage, and environmental impact documents

  • Fire safety and accessibility reports

  • Geospatial maps and zoning confirmations

  • Previous IMB documents (if applicable)

Each document must be signed by certified professionals, following the national building standards.

3. Consultant Coordination

We coordinate with a team of licensed professionals in Surabaya, including:

  • Registered architects and civil engineers

  • Environmental and mechanical system consultants

  • Surveyors and fire safety experts

  • Urban planners and local spatial consultants

Their certifications are required to validate your documents for submission.

4. OSS RBA Submission

PBG applications are submitted through Indonesia’s OSS RBA (Online Single Submission – Risk-Based Approach)system. We manage:

  • Your OSS account registration

  • Accurate form completion and upload of documents

  • Communication with the Surabaya Dinas Cipta Karya (City Planning and Building Agency)

  • Regular follow-ups on inspection schedules and status tracking

  • Response to feedback, corrections, or technical reviews

This ensures your application progresses quickly and without technical errors.

5. Site Inspection and Evaluation

Following the submission, local authorities may inspect the site. We:

  • Coordinate inspection timing

  • Guide you through site preparation requirements

  • Liaise with technical reviewers during evaluations

  • Follow up on feedback and ensure compliance with local building standards

6. Permit Approval and Delivery

Once approved, your PBG is issued. We deliver the final certificate, ensuring that:

  • Your project is legally registered

  • All technical and safety requirements are met

  • You can continue with construction, apply for SLF, and pursue business licenses

Timeline for PBG Permit in Surabaya

The duration of the PBG process in Surabaya can vary based on:

  • Size and complexity of the project

  • Quality and completeness of documentation

  • Responsiveness of government departments

  • Zoning or environmental review timeframes

On average, a standard PBG application in Surabaya takes 30 to 60 working days, though large projects may require additional coordination.

By working with The Bali Lawyer, you benefit from a streamlined, efficient process with reduced risk of delay or rejection.

Transition from IMB to PBG in Surabaya

Many buildings in Surabaya were approved under the old IMB system. Here’s what you need to know:

  • IMBs issued before 2021 remain valid but cannot be renewed or modified

  • Any renovation, function change, or expansion now requires a PBG

  • New buildings must follow the updated PBG regulations

  • Applications for SLF or NIB require a valid PBG

We assist in reviewing your current legal documents and advising whether you must transition to the new system.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Surabaya

Operating without a PBG can expose your project to:

  • Stop-work orders issued by municipal authorities

  • Forced demolition of non-compliant structures

  • Administrative fines and daily penalties

  • Refusal of essential services such as water and electricity

  • Ineligibility for occupancy permits (SLF)

  • Complications with property transactions or inheritance

By securing a PBG, you protect your development from these risks.

Advantages of Working with The Bali Lawyer

Our legal team provides a strategic advantage when applying for a PBG in Surabaya:

  • Nationwide legal reach with proven success across Java, Bali, and Lombok

  • Expert understanding of building regulations and land use laws

  • Access to local consultants in Surabaya and East Java

  • Clear communication with multilingual support

  • Fast turnaround on document review and OSS submission

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

We’ve assisted individuals, developers, and foreign investors in managing the full compliance process for construction permits in Indonesia.

Step-by-Step PBG Application Process with The Bali Lawyer

  1. Initial Consultation
    Share your project details, location, and land documents.

  2. Legal Review
    We assess legal feasibility and zoning compliance.

  3. Document Collection & Preparation
    We prepare and validate all necessary documents.

  4. Consultant Coordination
    We organize technical sign-offs from certified experts.

  5. OSS Submission
    We manage your application on the OSS RBA platform.

  6. Government Coordination
    We communicate with city officials and manage inspections.

  7. Final Approval
    Once approved, we deliver your PBG and guide your next steps.

Build Legally in Surabaya with Confidence

If you plan to develop or renovate property in Surabaya, securing a PBG building permit is the foundation of a legally sound and successful project. Don’t risk delays, penalties, or legal uncertainty.

The Bali Lawyer provides full-service legal support to obtain your PBG—efficiently, accurately, and in full compliance with the latest regulations. Whether you are building a home, launching a commercial venture, or investing in real estate, we are here to ensure you start on solid legal ground.

Contact us today to get started on your PBG permit in Surabaya. Let us help you move your project forward—safely, legally, and confidently.