A building licence is understood to be a permit issued by the relevant local authority authorising you to carry out works (of any kind) on a property. In addition to the building licence, carrying out refurbishment works also requires payment of the corresponding fees and taxes (which vary depending on the type of works and the municipality), thereby ensuring compliance with the applicable legal requirements.
A building licence must be applied for before the works begin and it is advisable for the process to be supported by an architect, as additional documentation may need to be submitted together with the application (depending on the type of works involved), such as: a technical project, plans, a safety study, quotations and a technical report.
⇀ What types of building licence can I apply for?
Depending on the type of work being carried out, there are two categories: minor works and major works.
- A building licence for minor works applies where the structure and external configuration of the property are not affected, and where there is no alteration to the conditions of habitability or safety.
- A building licence for major works, required in most cases, includes: new-build works, the extension of a building, change of use of a residential or commercial property, restoration of building façades or works listed as cultural heritage, structural reinforcement of a building in order to comply with legal requirements, demolition of a building (in whole or in part), or the enclosure of a dwelling or building.
Why is a building licence required?
A building licence is primarily required to ensure compliance with the rules that safeguard the safety of individuals, both those involved in the works themselves and the general public. In this way, any situation, whether hazardous or otherwise, arising from the works is subject to prior approval through the granting of the building licence.
Types of works exempt from a building licence
When you carry out small-scale works in your home, such as minor refurbishment or a localised repair, it is not necessary to have a building licence.