Construction law and internal partitions
Under Polish construction law (art. 29 of the Act of 7 July 1994, as amended), construction works requiring neither a building permit nor a notification include "renovations and alterations that do not involve transferring loads to load-bearing elements". Partitions that do not transfer loads to the ceiling slab or load-bearing walls generally do not require a notification. The key, however, is the distinction between system partitions and masonry or plasterboard walls. The latter may require a notification or even a permit if they change the functional layout of the premises or interfere with installations.
Systems exempt from formalities
Desktop screens (Seal, Soft and similar), mounted solely on the desktop by means of clamps, require no formalities. They do not touch the floor or the ceiling. Systems standing on adjustable feet (Soft, System 20, System 32), which rest on their own base and are not fixed to the ceiling or load-bearing walls, are exempt from formalities. Conditions: the system does not transfer loads to the ceiling slab, does not block escape routes and does not interfere with installations. System 20 and 32 — if they were to be anchored to the floor or walls — may technically require a notification to the property manager or building owner (a lease agreement often contains such requirements), whereas construction law does not require a separate notification for non-load-bearing partitions.
Escape routes and fire regulations
Regardless of construction formalities, any change to the layout of an office space requires compliance with fire regulations:
- The minimum width of an escape route is 1.2 m for up to 20 people, 1.4 m for 21–300 people.
- Partitions must not restrict access to fire extinguishers, hydrants, electrical boxes and emergency exits.
- If a change of layout requires a change to the fire-protection design, an opinion from a fire-safety expert is needed.
Premises handover protocol
If the office is rented, the lease agreement usually requires restoring the original condition at the end of the tenancy. Systems standing on feet are fully demountable and can be moved without leaving marks. Anchored systems may leave holes in the floor or walls that have to be filled. Before installation it is worth preparing photographic documentation of the current state of the floor and ceiling. After installing standing systems, the law requires no handover documentation. For anchored systems, it is worth obtaining the building manager's written approval, which protects both parties.
Practical tip
For offices in rented spaces, the best choice is System 20 on adjustable feet or desktop screens. Zero formalities, zero marks, full scope for reconfiguration and relocation to a new office. System 32 is a heavier solution and works well where a partition may be subject to pressure (from wind or people). It is often used to separate office spaces in production halls and warehouses.