Building works: Find out which ones require authorization from the City Council
When living in a condominium, a condominium owner is considered the owner of the fractions allocated to him and co-owner of the common parts and the facade of the building. As such, it is also responsible for condominium works in common areas. There are, therefore, several rules to follow to guarantee the well-being and good coexistence between everyone – these are provided for in the law.
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Good coexistence in condominiums
When living in a condominium, a condominium owner is considered the owner of the fractions allocated to him and co-owner of the common parts and the facade of the building. As such, it is also co-responsible for condominium works in common areas.
There are, therefore, several rules to follow to guarantee the well-being and good coexistence between everyone – these are provided for in the law.
Some of these rules relate to the carrying out of works in the building or in the fractions, which vary depending on whether these are maintenance, innovation, etc. (read the article Works in Condominiums: Difference to find out what works can be carried out and what authorizations are required – if exist – in assembly).
However, there are condominium works that change the characteristics of the building or may be considered more dangerous and, therefore, require the approval of the municipal council in addition to approval at the condominium assembly.
What works do not require authorization from the city council?
- Paint ceilings and walls;
- Install a false ceiling;
- Placement of various cabinets;
- Changing the dishes and tiles in the kitchen or bathroom;
- Floor laying;
- Cleaning and maintenance of blinds and balconies;
- Renovation of lighting systems in the hall and stairs;
- Renovation of doorbells and mailboxes;
- Roof maintenance, as long as the previous conditions are not changed;
- Installation of solar panels, provided they do not exceed the building’s coverage area;
- Build a wall or partition;
- Installation of a stove, as long as its piping does not pass through common parts;
- Replace internal plumbing;
- The closure of a balcony will depend on each municipality, so we advise you to check this project with your City Council.
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Therefore, approval from the city council is required for the following condominium works:
- Connect the fraction to an attic area;
- If you intend to change the facade of the building, enlarging it, for example;
- If the building is considered architectural heritage;
- When the building is painted in a different color than the original;
- Construction of marquees on terraces;
- Visible change in the color of the window glass in a room;
- Installation of air conditioning units on the facade of the building;
- Construction of a pergola on the terrace, even if it is connected to your fraction;
- Join or divide a fraction;
- Build a porch or fence.
How does joining or separating fractions work?
Both cases are different and, therefore, have different rules. In the case of joining fractions, it is not necessary to seek authorization from either the city council or the condominium. However, this does not require authorization only if the building is not classified as architectural heritage and the modifications do not alter its structure/façade.
However, it is important to note that it is a civic and respectful duty to warn and ask for the understanding of neighbors in the event that noisy and unpleasant works are carried out. We also remind you that, as mentioned in the General Noise Regulation, there is a permitted time for carrying out condominium works (only on weekdays, between 8am and 8pm). If a condominium owner does not respect this rule, a fine of between €200 and €2000 may be imposed.
We therefore advise that neighbors be notified about the duration of the condominium works and the intensity of the noise, if you have this information. These notices can be posted in elevators, for example, or digital platforms such as Condoroo can be used to facilitate communication at Assemblies, publishing notices and many other possible needs. In the following video you can find out what the benefits of Condoroo are:
Conclusion
Living in a condominium means following rules to ensure harmony between condominium owners. Condominium works that do not involve demolition, such as roof maintenance, can be carried out without municipal authorization, but structural changes require approval from the council and assembly. Communication about works, especially noisy ones, is crucial, using tools like Condoroo. By respecting these rules you can contribute to a peaceful coexistence between all condominium owners!
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