What is a Certificate of Urbanism and Why Do You Need It?
The Zoning Certificate (Certificate of Urbanism) is the first official document you must obtain before starting any construction, demolition, rehabilitation, or building extension project. It does not grant you the right to build, but it provides the necessary information to find out what you can legally do on your land.
What Does the Zoning Certificate Contain?
The document includes the main urban planning regulations applicable to your land:The permitted land use (residential, commercial, etc.);Urban planning indicators (POT—Land Occupancy Ratio, CUT—Land Utilization Coefficient, height regime);Setbacks from property boundaries;The approvals and agreements required to obtain the building permit.
Documents Required to Obtain the Zoning Certificate
To obtain the certificate, you will generally need the following documents:A standard application form for issuing the zoning certificate, completed and signed;A copy of the property deed (title deed, sale-purchase contract, Land Registry excerpt);An updated Land Registry excerpt (Extras CF);A site plan at the recommended scale (usually 1:500 or 1:1000);Additional documents, if the land is located in protected areas.
Why is it Important?
The zoning certificate is the foundation for architectural design. Without it, the architect cannot develop a technical solution compliant with local regulations. It also helps you know in advance if your desired project is feasible or if it requires additional documentation, such as a Zonal Urban Plan (PUZ) or Detailed Urban Plan (PUD).
Who Issues It?
The zoning certificate is issued by the local town hall within whose jurisdiction the land is located, at the request of the owner or their authorized representative (usually the architect).
How Can We Help You?
Our team can assist you through all stages—from preparing the documentation to obtain the zoning certificate to developing the complete design package for the building permit.