Permesso di Costruire (Building Permit)

The primary authorization issued by the Comune for new construction, major renovations, expansions, or other significant building works. Formerly called concessione edilizia, it is required for works that create new volume or substantially modify buildings. One must submit architectural plans and documents; the Comune reviews for zoning compliance and building code, and then issues the permit, often with conditions and an expiration date. A fee (see oneri di urbanizzazione) is usually associated. Building without the necessary permesso constitutes an abuso edilizio. Certain minor works don’t need a full permit and fall under SCIA or CILA, but anything involving structural changes, changing the building’s footprint, or new construction will need a permesso. The permesso di costruire attests that the project is approved – upon completion, one should also obtain the certificato di agibilità. When buying a house, one should verify that any recent works had the proper permit. Permits are tied to the property, so if you purchase land, any existing unused permit transfers with it (but check its validity).