Building a warehouse or industrial facility in Almaty involves more than just construction. First, you must navigate the permitting chain. In 2026 the process is regulated and predictable: digital portals, clear timelines — but there are nuances worth knowing upfront. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough.
30 days
statutory timeline for AGO Almaty construction permit
regulatory deadline — when a complete document package and positive technical review are in hand
45–90 days
state project technical review
depends on the building's responsibility class: CC-2 — 45 days, CC-3 — 90 days
egov.kz
primary portal for document submission
the construction permit is submitted online through Kazakhstan's e-government portal
mandatory
state review for any capital structure in Almaty
especially seismic calculations. No exceptions for warehouses or industrial buildings
Overall Scheme: From Land to Commissioning
Land with permitted use → Initial permitting documentation (IPD) →
Design → State technical review → Construction permit →
Construction → Acceptance commission → Commissioning → Asset registration
Each stage depends on the previous one. Attempting to skip a stage is the number-one cause of delays and fines.
Stage 1: Land Plot and Designated Use
Before design begins, confirm that the land plot has the correct designated use.
| Type of Warehouse | Required Designated Use |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing warehouse | Industrial land |
| Commercial warehouse (for lease) | Industrial or commercial land |
| Agricultural warehouse (grain, machinery) | Agricultural or industrial land |
| Warehouse in SEZ Alatau | SEZ land (special status) |
Changing the designated use is a separate procedure through the akimat (municipal authority), taking an additional 2–4 months. Verify before purchasing the plot.
Stage 2: Architectural Planning Brief (APB)
The APB is a document issued by the Almaty Architecture and Urban Planning Department (AGO) to the client before design begins. It specifies:
- Permitted building parameters (number of floors, height, plot coverage ratio)
- Setback requirements from red lines and neighbouring structures
- Requirements for utility connections
- Special conditions (protected zones, sanitary buffer zones)
Timeline: 15–20 working days. Submitted: via egov.kz or the Public Service Centre (PSC).
For industrial zones in Alatau District and the Kapshagai highway corridor
Stage 3: Design and Approvals
Project Documentation Composition for a Warehouse
| Section | Contents |
|---|---|
| AR (Architectural Solutions) | Plans, elevations, sections |
| SM (Steel Structures) | Steel frame, connections, specifications |
| RC (Reinforced Concrete) | Foundations, floor slabs |
| HVAC (Heating and Ventilation) | Climate systems |
| P&D (Plumbing and Drainage) | Internal networks |
| E&L (Electrical and Lighting) | Power and lighting networks |
| FS (Fire Safety) | Sprinklers, fire alarm, evacuation |
| SS (Security Systems) | Access control, CCTV (where required) |
| TM (Technology and Machinery) | For production facilities |
| COP (Construction Organisation Plan) | Site plan, programme |
| ESTIMATE | Consolidated cost estimate |
Technical Specifications (TS) for Utility Connections
Obtain technical specifications in parallel with the design:
- Power supply: ALRES (JSC Almaty Electric Power Stations)
- Water supply / sewage: JSC Almaty Su
- Heat supply (if required): JSC Almatyteplokommuenergy
- Gas: JSC KazTransGaz Aimak
Timeline for obtaining TS: 15–30 working days per utility provider.
Stage 4: State Technical Review
State technical review is mandatory for all capital structures in Kazakhstan. In Almaty — enhanced scrutiny of seismic compliance.
Building Responsibility Class
| Class | Structure | Review Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CC-1 (normal) | Single-storey warehouses up to 1,500 m², height up to 10 m | 30 days |
| CC-2 (elevated) | Warehouses over 1,500 m² or height 10–20 m, 2+ bays | 45 days |
| CC-3 (critical) | Structures over 50,000 m², above 20 m, special conditions | 90 days |
Most commercial warehouses in Almaty fall into class CC-1 or CC-2.
What the Review Examines
- Compliance with SP RK 2.03-30-2017 (seismic construction)
- Load-bearing structure calculations (steel frame, foundation)
- Fire safety (Technical Regulation, MES RK codes)
- Sanitary and hygiene requirements
- Energy efficiency (building rating)
State review cost: 0.1–0.3% of construction cost. For a 150M ₸ project — 150,000–450,000 ₸.
Review comments are a normal part of the process
Stage 5: Construction Permit (AGO Almaty)
After a positive state technical review conclusion — submit for a permit to the Almaty Department of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Land Relations.
Documents:
- Application
- Positive state technical review conclusion
- Title document for the land plot
- APB
- Project documentation (approved section)
- Applicant documents (sole trader or LLP)
Submission: via egov.kz (electronic form) or in person at the Public Service Centre.
Statutory issuance timeline: 30 working days. In practice — with a complete document package: 15–20 days.
Cost: government fee — a fixed MCI amount (check the current figure on egov.kz).
Stage 6: Construction and Construction Supervision
After receiving the permit — construction begins. Mandatory conditions:
- Construction control (site supervision): the client must organise technical supervision of construction. This can be done in-house (with an accredited specialist) or by engaging a third-party organisation.
- Author's supervision: the designer conducts author's supervision — recording conformance of construction to the project.
- Construction works log: a mandatory document maintained on the construction site.
Stage 7: Commissioning
On completion of construction — acceptance commission and commissioning.
Acceptance commission members:
- Client
- General contractor
- Designer (author's supervision)
- AGO Almaty representatives
- MES (fire supervision)
- SES (sanitary supervision)
- Energy supervision authority
Commissioning documents:
- As-built documentation (concealed works certificates, as-built drawings)
- Material certificates
- Engineering system test certificates (ventilation, fire suppression, power supply)
- Building passport
Timeline: 30 working days from document submission.
Summary Schedule for a Typical Almaty Warehouse
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Obtaining TS and APB | 1–2 months |
| Design | 1–3 months |
| State technical review | 1.5–3 months |
| Construction permit | 1 month |
| Construction | 3–8 months |
| Commissioning | 1 month |
| Total (excluding construction) | 5–10 months |
Running several stages in parallel (TS + design, design + site preparation) reduces the overall timeline.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Starting construction before receiving the permit Fine, demolition order. Almaty actively monitors unauthorised construction.
2. Mismatch of land designated use The permit will not be issued. Changing the designation — 2–4 additional months.
3. Outdated project design If the design was prepared under 2020 codes and the SP RK has been updated since then — the technical review will return it for revision.
4. No construction supervision during building At commissioning, the as-built documentation will be incomplete — delays and rework.
StroyHub manages the project from permitting to commissioning
Obtaining IPD, designing to Almaty's seismic standards, supporting the state technical review and construction permit. One contractor — full cycle.