CILA, SCIA or Building Permit: which application do you need?

Before starting any building work in Italy, it is essential to know which permit is required. Choosing the wrong one can lead to fines, delays and problems when the property is sold.

Free building works (edilizia libera)

Some works require no application at all, such as ordinary maintenance: repainting, replacing floors and wall tiles, or repairing existing systems.

CILA – Certified Notice of Start of Works

The CILA (Comunicazione Inizio Lavori Asseverata) is used for extraordinary maintenance that does not affect the structural parts of the building, for example:

• removing or building non-load-bearing partition walls;
• renovating bathrooms and kitchens with changes to the internal layout;
• splitting or merging property units without structural works.

SCIA – Certified Notice of Start of Activity

The SCIA (Segnalazione Certificata di Inizio Attività) is required for more significant works, including:

• extraordinary maintenance affecting structural parts;
• restoration and conservative rehabilitation;
• some types of building renovation.

Building Permit (Permesso di Costruire)

A Building Permit is required for new constructions, extensions and major renovations that significantly change the volume, shape or intended use of a building.

Our advice

Every case must be assessed against national and regional legislation and the local municipal building regulations. Contact us to arrange a site visit: together we will identify the right application and we will handle the whole process for you.