Demolition permit: what it is and how to obtain one
Demolishing a building, in whole or in part, is authorised just like building a new one. The file follows the same route, on the same official forms.
Check which rules apply to you
The urbanism code applies from 25 August 2026. If you already have an urbanism certificate issued before that date, the approvals it requires follow the rules in force when it was issued.
Your application will follow the new rules (CATUC), in force from 25 August 2026.
This result is indicative only. The exact rules for your file are determined by the issuing town hall.
The demolition permit is the act that allows demolishing, in whole or in part, a construction. It is issued under the same conditions as a building permit, with the particularities specific to demolition works. The documentation required is called PAD: the project for authorising demolition (formerly DTAD).
The important rule: demolition followed by a new building
If you want to put up a new building in place of the one you demolish, the town hall issues a single building permit, which approves both the demolition of the old construction and the building of the new one. In this case only the fee for the building permit of the new construction is charged: you do not pay separately for the demolition.
What PAD, the project for authorising demolition, contains
Written pieces:
- The list and signatures of the designers.
- A memoriu, with a brief history of the construction (year built, characteristic data), a description of the structure, materials and architectural style, and mention of any heritage or decorative elements to be salvaged.
- Colour photographs of all facades, of the main rooms, of the staircase and of the entrance hall.
- A description of the demolition works.
- A technical expertise on the demolition works, where applicable.
Drawn pieces:
- Site location plan.
- Site plan, distinctly marking the constructions that remain and those being demolished, how the land is arranged after demolition, rainwater drainage, and the plantings that remain.
- Plan of underground constructions and utility networks in the area.
- Survey of the constructions to be demolished: the plans of all levels, the roof plan, main sections and all facades.
- If the demolition requires complex technical operations, the works organisation project is also presented.
When you do NOT need a demolition permit
Demolishing ancillary farm buildings or constructions exterior to single-family homes, located outside protected built-up areas, can be done through the simplified notificare procedure.
Buildings in an advanced state of decay
The town hall can demolish constructions owned by the administrative-territorial unit that are in an advanced state of decay and endanger public safety, except for historic monuments, on the basis of a demolition permit issued under the emergency procedure.
How AutoRize helps
- Generates the F.1 urbanism certificate request with demolition stated correctly as the purpose
- Fills in the F.8 request for the demolition permit with your project data
- Prepares the opis (document index), so you can see at a glance what is missing
- Gives you the documents in Word and PDF, ready to file at the city hall
Frequently asked questions
Can I demolish without a permit?
Not always. As a rule, demolishing a construction or part of it is authorised, and carrying it out without a permit is sanctioned. Exception: demolishing ancillary farm buildings or constructions exterior to single-family homes, located outside protected built-up areas, can be done through the simplified notificare procedure.
Which form is used for a demolition permit?
The same F.8 form as for a building permit. The form covers the issue of both building and demolition permits, and the purpose is stated in the request.
What is PAD and how does it differ from PAC?
PAD is the technical documentation for authorising demolition works, formerly called DTAD. It is the equivalent of PAC, which authorises building works. Both are prepared by an authorised designer.
Do I need an urbanism certificate to demolish?
Yes. The file starts from an urbanism certificate requested with demolition as the purpose. The certificate tells you which approvals your case requires.
What does a demolition permit cost?
The fee is set by the issuing city hall under the fiscal legislation in force. Check the amount and how it is calculated with the city hall for the area the property sits in, before you file.
What happens after the demolition?
Once the works are carried out, you go through the closing procedure required by the permit, and the legal status of the property is updated in the land registry records, so they reflect what actually remains on the plot.
Useful pages for the same dossier
Prepare the demolition file
Generate the requests on the F.1 and F.8 forms and the opis (document index), filled in with your project data.