DIA (Dichiarazione di Inizio Attività)

A now-superseded procedure that allowed starting certain construction works by filing a declaration with the Comune. Under the old DIA, a qualified technician would declare that planned works complied with regulations, and if the Comune did not object within 30 days, work could proceed. It was used for works a step below a full permit and a step above simple communication. The DIA has been largely replaced by the SCIA and permesso di costruire under newer laws. However, some older projects might mention a DIA. Essentially it was an early form of permesso “silenzioso” (silent-consent permit). Today, one typically uses a SCIA or CILA for comparable works.