Licensing of Works
Licensing of Works
Currently, the licensing of works is requested from the Câmara of the area where the construction or rehabilitation will take place.
The licensing of works is a procedure required to carry out construction or works, provided they include changes to the façade, volumetry or structures of the property, be it a flat, offices or even a building.
For the licensing of construction works it is necessary to submit the architectural project and the specialty projects. However, it is advisable to first submit the architectural project because it may happen that the Câmara or other entities intervening in the process, require changes that are reflected in the specialties project. By requesting the licensing from the architectural project you may spend more time but save resources.
There are cases, either because of the location in a historical area or because of the function of the construction in which the intervention of other entities is required, such as the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage for historical areas or the General Directorate of Tourism if we are talking about hotels. Each case is unique and the applicable legislation varies according to the function.
After the approval of the architectural project, the specialties project will be delivered and after that you will be able to request the construction permit, for which you will have to identify the builder (who has a specific licence which inhabits a certain construction volume) and the construction supervisor.
The building permit is what identifies the authorisation given and the main data must be displayed.
At the end of the building work, a file should be prepared with the final blueprints and the building inspector's report. After the inspection that the local councils usually make, you will be given an authorisation licence or a habitation licence, as the case may be.
Please note that you can always consult the Legal Regulations on Urbanisation and Requalification, published in Decree-Law 555/99 of 16 December.
Building permits are not required if the development to be built is included in a plot of land included in an allotment plan or other type of municipal plan, nor for properties classified or integrated in classified zones. In these cases the rules are those defined by each plan.
Our experience and our technicians' knowledge of these procedures will help you to navigate your way through all the authorisations and bureaucracy required. We will tell you everything you have to do, even checking that you can build on the land you have bought.
Prior Notice
Advance notice has replaced building permits in cases where no such permit is required.
The most common examples of works subject to prior notification are:
1
The rehabilitation or reconstruction works that do not increase the volumetry of the building
2
Works on land included in urban subdivision plans or detailed plans
3
The swimming pools next to the main building
The prior communication does not prevent you from having to build a process that can range from the architectural and specialties project to the contractor's building permit and respective insurance. All projects must comply very strictly with the rules in force. The City Councils have 20 days to approve the prior communication, after which time the works can begin, even if there is no response from the City Council.
Exempted works
Exempt works are those that do not require a works permit.
However, it is mandatory to communicate them to the Town Hall up to 5 days before they start.
According to the Legal Regime of Urban Planning and Building, these are exempt from licensing or prior notification:
1
Conservation works
2
interior fitting out works which do not imply any modification in volumetry or structures
3
The so-called works of little urban relevance, i.e. accessory works such as greenhouses or garden arrangements that do not interfere with the public domain
4
Walls and other minor conservation works of little importance
Budget
If you know exactly what work you intend to do, if you have already defined your requirements, if you want to have an idea of the costs for your project, we will be pleased to offer you our estimate. A quote that will always indicate the estimated time, the resources we foresee and our fees.
In order to be as efficient as possible, please fill in the form below and give us all the indications.
We will certainly get in touch with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
DOES SPEISSE HELP ME WITH THE BUREAUCRATIC PROCEDURES WITH THE TOWN COUNCILS?
Yes, we know the legislation well and we have teams specialised in architectural and specialty projects and we already have a lot of experience. We explain everything.
I FOUND A SPACE TO BUILD MY RESTAURANT WHAT LICENSES DO I NEED? CAN I START THE CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT HAVING ALL THE LICENSES?
Today, to open a restaurant you just need to communicate in the Balcão do Empreendedor (Entrepreneur's Counter), under the Licenciamento Zero regime.
As for the works they need to comply with the general regulation, i.e. they are necessary if you change the façade or the interior structures.
There are, however, specific rules imposed by the laws governing hygiene and safety
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit is required whenever you are going to build from scratch.
In the case of refurbishments it is compulsory if you change the façade to the exterior, if you change the structure of the house/apartment/office or the building or if, for example, you are going to make another bathroom in the flat.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CERTIFIED ARCHITECTS IN YOUR TEAM?
Yes, we have several architects in our team, available to help you with projects of all kinds.
DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO MAKE AND PAY FOR A PROJECT ?
We advise you to always make a project, however simple the intervention required. It is at the project level that the best solutions are tested and studied, particularly in terms of economics and logistics for the work.
We believe that doing the project always saves money on the total cost of the work.
But we study with you what is most feasible within your budget.
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Come and talk to us and discover what our talent and experience can do for your idea or project. We give free estimates. Choosing Speisse is choosing a team that works together with you. To achieve your goals.