Permissions guide
SCIA, CILA or building permit: which title is needed
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Written by Virginia Buccarella, architetto in Gallipoli, registered with the Ordine degli Architetti P.P.C. della Provincia di Lecce.
In short
In a nutshell: the CILA is used for extraordinary maintenance that does not affect the structures; the SCIA for more significant interventions, including some structural modifications and renovations; the building permit for new buildings, volume expansions and heavy renovations. The right title depends on the type of intervention, not on its perceived size: it is best to have it checked before starting.
CILA, the sworn communication of the start of work
It is the title for extraordinary maintenance that does not affect the structural parts of the building: moving non-load-bearing partitions, redoing systems, modifying the internal distribution without touching the structures. You can start from the deposit, with the certification of a technician.
SCIA, the Certified Report of Start of Activity
It covers more incisive interventions, including some works involving structures and building renovations that do not fall within the building permit. It requires more detailed technical papers and reports.
Building permit
It is necessary for the most significant transformations: new buildings, increases in volume, heavy renovations that modify the building organism. It requires an investigation by the Municipality before work can begin.
Because getting the wrong title is expensive
Carrying out work with the wrong title, or without a title, constitutes construction abuse, with sanctions and the obligation to regularize. And it makes the property non-compliant when you want to sell or rent it. This is why the first step is always to verify the legitimate status of the property and identify the correct title.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The practice is sworn and filed by a qualified technician, such as an architect. I take care of preparing the documents and depositing them at the One-Stop Shop for Construction, following the process until the outcome.
With CILA and SCIA in many cases you can start from the moment of deposit, subject to verification. The building permit instead requires you to wait for release from the Municipality. Times also depend on the individual technical office.