Consolidated Building Act (Testo Unico Edilizia)
Summary
TAV. 00The fundamental act governing the entire building process in Italy: it defines building works, the permits required to carry them out (from free building activity to the building permit), administrative procedures, fitness for use and the sanctioning regime.
Scope of application
TAV. 01Applies to all building and urban transformation works. It sets out fundamental principles and detailed rules, without prejudice to the legislative powers of the Regions, which may regulate specific aspects in compliance with the Act's principles.
In depth
TAV. AThe Consolidated Building Act is the starting point of any work on existing buildings. The practical question it answers is almost always the same: "to do this work, which permit do I need?". The answer depends on the scale of the work, organised into a scale of increasing intensity: free building, CILA, SCIA, building permit.
Key points
TAV. K- Governs the whole building cycle: works, permits, procedures, fitness for use, sanctions
- The required permit depends on the type of work, with increasing intensity
- Amended several times; recent changes include the 2024 Salva Casa decree (L. 105/2024)
Frequently asked questions
TAV. QWhat is the difference between CILA and SCIA?
In short: CILA covers extraordinary maintenance that does NOT affect structural parts; SCIA covers works affecting structures or restoration. SCIA requires certification by a qualified professional. Classification depends on the work and regional rules.
What is free building activity?
The set of works that can be carried out without any permit or notice (e.g. ordinary maintenance). The list is defined by the Act and was broadened by recent measures such as the 2024 Salva Casa. Constraints (landscape, structural, etc.) still apply.
Can Regions change these rules?
Building is a shared-competence matter: the State sets fundamental principles via the Act, but Regions may issue detailed rules and Municipalities have their own building regulations. The same work may therefore have different requirements across territories.
Glossary
TAV. G- CILA
- Certified Notice of Commencement of Works: for extraordinary maintenance not affecting structural parts.
- SCIA
- Certified Notice of Start of Activity: for works affecting structures or restoration, certified by a professional.
- Permesso di costruire
- Permit issued by the Municipality for major works (new construction, urban redevelopment).
- Stato legittimo
- The lawful planning/building status of a property, based on the permits that governed its construction and later changes.