PERGOLAS AND OUTDOOR STRUCTURES: WHEN ARE THE PERMITS MANDATORY?

pergolas verandas and permits
Let's sheld light on it!

The question plenty of customers ask us when they want to install a porch, bower or similar, is the following: ‘But do they add airspace to the house? Do we need some permits?”.

Let’s answer this as simple as possible.

The general laws in the building field regarding these things are usually delegated to Regions and Provinces, so they can be different as you move by towns, may be also by communes and municipalities.

Therefore, it is not possible to give a valid law and indication to everyone.

Anyway, we can try to give an idea of how bureaucracy works in these situations.

 

PERGOLAS AND GAZEBOS

The pergola is a structure usually open on 3 sides and at the top, it can be self-supporting or leaning against a wall of the house.

The gazebo is a light, self-supporting structure, covered at the top and open at the sides, usually placed in the middle of the garden or terrace.

Usually, a pergola without side closures and with a covering consisting of climbing plants or a retractable (therefore not fixed) fabric, if of limited size and easily removable, is considered among the artifacts that can be built under free construction (Presidential Decree 380/2001) , therefore without the need to request building permits and related charges (without prejudice to the prescriptions of municipal planning instruments, and in any case in compliance with other sector regulations affecting the regulation of building activity and, in particular, the anti-seismic regulations, safety, fire prevention, sanitation, those relating to energy efficiency, protection from hydrogeological risk, as well as the provisions contained in the code of cultural heritage and landscape).

The same applies to the gazebo (unless this is affixed to the ground and therefore not considered to be easily removable).

So let's say that the installation of a pergola or gazebo, as long as it is devoid of any lateral closure such as PVC sheets or glass, requires at most the presentation of a simple Communication of Commencement of Works (CILA) or of a Certified Notification of Start of Activities (SCIA ).

However, this general rule may vary depending on the size, surface and type of the structure.

PERGOTENDAS

The pergotendas are light structures meant for making the outdoor spaces better livable and are installed to satisfy non-primary needs.

Its dimensions are moderate, it does not modify the intended use of the outdoor and it is easily removable, it usually does not require any permission to build, but it is included in free-construction activities.

 

VERANDAS

The veranda is a covered area having the same characteristics of a porch, balcony, terrace or similar, closed on its sides by windows or transparent and waterproof elements, partially or fully openable.

La veranda therefore requires the permission to build, as it represents an additional volume of the main building and it modifies its shape.

 

WHAT TO DO?

As we saw, the rules for outdoor structures are not the same for every municipality and city.

For this reason it is recommended to always contact an architect, surveyor or engineer, as he can surely suggest you and give you precise information on the mandatory steps to follow.

In the case you have not found a reliable professional, we remind you that you can always rely on our company, and to let our engineer follow you to check the documents.

On our website you can find pictures and descriptions of different types of structures.

Meanwhile you can download our free book showing all the prices of the various structures, depending on what side you’re looking for.

Contact us if you want to book an appointment for build a structure in your terrace or garden.

And enjoy your outdoor life!