When you are about to undertake a comprehensive renovation, one of the first essential steps is to ensure that you have the necessary permits. These official authorizations guarantee that the work complies with urban planning, safety, and environmental regulations. In this article, I will explain what these permits may be, when they are required, how to apply for them, and what risks you avoid by having everything in order.
To carry out a comprehensive renovation legally, you will need a building permit appropriate to the scope of the project (minor or major), in addition to submitting a technical project, a project management plan, and complying with requirements such as technical reports, fees, and even municipal bonds.
Types of licenses or permits for renovations
To understand which licenses are required for a comprehensive renovation, it is important to differentiate between:
Minor works permit
Major construction permit
Affidavit or prior notification
Minor work
This applies to minor interventions that do not alter the structure of the building or affect common elements or the façade. For example: changing tiles, floors, windows, small redistributions without load-bearing walls.
The process is simpler: in many cases, a request or a responsible declaration is sufficient.
Major work
This applies to renovations involving structural changes, comprehensive refurbishment, modification of the volume or use of the property, or work on common elements of a building.
In these cases, it is mandatory to submit a technical project prepared by an architect or technical architect, and the process is more demanding.
Affidavit / prior notification
Some local councils allow for minor renovations to be carried out on the basis of a declaration of responsibility or prior notification instead of a formal license, assuming that the work complies with regulations.
This mechanism reduces deadlines provided that the project does not have structural or complex effects.
When do I need which license?
The choice between minor works, major works, or a declaration of responsibility depends on the technical scope of the project. Some guidelines:
| Criteria/type of work | Minor license? | Major license or technical project? |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in finishes, paint, flooring | Yes | No |
| Tiling, windows, interior doors | Yes, if it does not affect the structure. | If it touches load-bearing walls, no. |
| Tear down or build structural walls | No | Yes |
| Expand built area | No | Yes |
| Change of use of the property (commercial space → residential, etc.) | No | Yes |
| Intervention in common elements of the building | No | Yes |
| Facade, roofs, recesses | It depends on the municipality. | In many cases, yes. |
It is essential to consult municipal urban planning regulations to confirm the applicable limits in your municipality.
Documentation for licenses required for comprehensive renovation
Although it may vary depending on the local council, these are the most common licenses required for comprehensive renovations:
Official application form from the city council or urban planning department.
Technical or descriptive report detailing the proposed actions.
Plans: current status and project plans, layout, facilities, structure if applicable.
Detailed budget with current unit prices.
Technical project approved by a professional association, when required (major work).
Previous certificates or licenses if they affect installations (electrical, gas, water).
Waste management report, when required.
Document proving ownership of the property (deed) or authorization from the owner.
Payment of municipal taxes.
Occasionally, a municipal bond that ensures the proper execution of the work.
Please note that some local councils may request additional documents in accordance with regional or local regulations.
Processing procedure
Here are the typical steps involved in applying for a comprehensive building permit:
Prior consultation with the City Council to confirm the urban feasibility of the project.
Preparation of the technical project (if applicable) and other required documentation.
Submission of the file to the Municipal or Urban Planning Registry.
Review by municipal technicians, request for corrections if necessary.
Approval or denial by the competent authority (license ordinance).
Payment of fees and deposit of security deposit, if applicable.
Formal obtaining of the permit/license and file number.
Commencement of works, always in accordance with the approved conditions.
Completion of work and submission of final work certificate (or final installation certificate).
Municipal inspection if required by local regulations.
This procedure can take anywhere from weeks to months, especially for major works or those that involve complex regulations.
Key regulations you must comply with
When carrying out a comprehensive renovation, it is essential to comply with state, regional, and local regulations. Some of the main ones are:
Building Regulations Act (LOE): regulates technical responsibilities, design, and execution of works.
Technical Building Code (CTE): establishes basic requirements for safety, habitability, and energy efficiency.
Land Law / Regional Urban Planning: sets parameters for land use and urban planning.
Low voltage electrical regulations (REBT), installation standards, local noise regulations, heritage, etc.
Specific municipal regulations, local urban planning ordinances, and urban planning.
Risks of not having the proper licenses
Undertaking a comprehensive renovation without the proper permits can result in:
Administrative fines or financial penalties.
Order to halt construction work.
Requirement to restore the property to its previous condition.
Problems legalizing the work in the future or transferring ownership.
Partial nullity of related urban planning acts.
Practical tips for architecture studios
From the outset, incorporate license management into your service as an integral part of the project.
Work closely with local technicians and the municipality's urban planning department.
Check municipal building regulations (definition of minor works, fees, deadlines).
Ensure that project documents are clear, complete, and tailored to the receiving municipality.
Monitor the file to quickly address corrections.
Inform the customer of the actual deadlines (not always "fast") and administrative risks.
Conclusion
In summary, the licenses required for comprehensive renovation will depend on the scope of the work: whether it is minor work, major work, or if a responsible declaration is permitted. But in all cases, the key is to submit the required technical documentation, demonstrate compliance with regulations (CTE, LOE, local urban planning), and go through the municipal approval process. Proper management avoids penalties, delays, and future legal problems.
Author
Cabana Team
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