What paperwork you need, in the order you get it
You do not need to learn the legislation. You need to know what comes after each step, and who does it.
Most permit problems do not come from bad intent, they come from order. People apply for the building permit before the urbanism certificate, or start work believing they do not need paperwork at all. The real order is simple: first the urbanism certificate, which tells you what you are allowed to build and which approvals you need, then the approvals, then the building permit.
What kind of project do you have
- New houseBuilding from scratch, on a plot you have not built on before.
- Loft conversionConverting an existing attic into living space can be done through a simplified notification, as long as the building's volume is not changed and no structural reinforcement is needed.
- ExtensionEnlarging an existing building. Renovating and extending the kitchen or bathroom can be done through a simplified notification, the same as building a sanitary facility or a technical room of up to 25 sqm.
- OutbuildingIn rural areas, small outbuildings can be built with no formalities or through a notification, if they meet cumulative conditions on size, height and construction method. See what the limits are.
- FencingBuilding a new fence by removing the existing one is done through a simplified notification. Repairs need no formalities only if the shape and materials stay the same.
- DemolitionTearing down an existing building. For outbuildings outside protected areas, a simplified notification is enough.
Step 1: the urbanism certificate
The urbanism certificate does not give you the right to build. It tells you what you can build on your land, under which limits, and which approvals you need next. It is requested at the town hall, with a standard form and the plot plans.
Step 2: the approvals
The certificate lists the approvals your project needs. Each one is requested separately, at its own institution, with its own set of documents and its own number of copies. This is usually where the most time gets lost, because the list differs case by case.
Step 3: the building permit
With the approvals obtained and the project drawn up by an architect, the building permit application is filed, together with the technical documentation. Work can start once the permit is issued, not before.
What you do yourself, and what an architect does
You can file the urbanism certificate request yourself. The technical documentation for the building permit, however, must be drawn up by a licensed designer. AutoRize prepares the paperwork, it does not replace the designer.
What happens if you start without a permit
Work carried out without a permit is sanctioned and, in many cases, has to be legalised afterwards, which costs more than getting the permit from the start. Some work is exempt, but the list is shorter than people assume.
How AutoRize helps
- Generates the urbanism certificate request, filled in with your plot data.
- Shows you the avize required by the certificat de urbanism, with what each institution asks for.
- Prepares the memoriu and the requests in editable format, ready to file.
- Keeps your project paperwork in one place as you move from one stage to the next.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the building permit directly, without an urbanism certificate?
No. The urbanism certificate is the first document, and it determines which approvals you need. Without it, the permit application has no documentation to contain.
Who draws up the technical documentation for the permit?
You can file the urbanism certificate request yourself. The technical documentation for the building permit, however, must be signed by a licensed designer.
I have already built without a permit. What now?
There is a legalisation procedure, but it depends on the case and can involve sanctions. See the dedicated guide before drawing a conclusion about your situation.
How long does the whole process take, from certificate to permit?
It depends on how many approvals you need and which institutions issue them. Each moves at its own pace, so ask at the town hall what to expect in your case.
How do I know which approvals I need?
The urbanism certificate lists them for your plot and your project. Until you get it, AutoRize shows you the general landmarks for your type of work.
Useful pages for the same dossier
Find out what paperwork you need
Describe your project and see the list of paperwork, in the order you get it. Free account, no card.