What is Spain's 'licencia de obra menor' for home renovations?

If you’re planning on doing some home renovations in Spain then you’ll need to apply for what’s known as a licencia de obra menor (minor works licence) or a licencia de obra mayor (major works licence). They are both types of planning permission you’ll need to show that you’re authorised to do the refurbishments or construction. They also prove to your neighbours that you have permission to carry out the works from your town council.

These licences work a little differently to planning permission in other countries though because you’ll need one for almost any type of works you do to your property, not just major ones like extensions.

In this article we’ll specifically be looking at the licencia de obra menor (minor works licence).

READ ALSO: Do I need planning permission in Spain and how do I apply for it?

What is the licencia de obra menor?

As the name suggests, this is a licence needed for any minor works carried out on your home. They are for small scale that do not require heavy machinery and are not overly expensive.

In order for the works to qualify under the minor category, they must not impact the main structures or common elements of the building. They also can’t alter the appearance of the façade or remove any internal partitions that could affect the structure of the building – such as a load-bearing wall.

When do I need one?

According to Crisálida Arquitectura company, this could including replacing fixtures such as plumbing or electrics that may affect the energy certificate; making repairs on floors, ceilings or walls; knocking down partition walls that don’t interfere with the structure; and replacing doors and windows.

Be careful though because the rules are not the same in all regions or even all municipalities. In Barcelona for example, changing exterior windows is classed as a licencia de obra mayor or major works licence and not minor as in some other areas. If you’re unsure though, the city council or ayuntamiento (town hall) will determine which one you need when you apply.

READ ALSO: What to consider before hiring a builder to renovate your Spanish home

How do I apply?

There are four steps you need to do in order to be granted your licencia de obra menor.

• The first is preparation of documentation. This includes detailed project plans, a description of works, and any other documents demonstrating the nature and scope of the work.
• The second is an application to the city council or ayuntamiento. You can do this online or in person. To do this online you need to apply through the electronic headquarters of each city council.
• The third step is to pay the fees. This may vary from area to area, but is typically between €20-€50. Some areas may even waive the fee so that you would have to pay anything. As well as the fees, you will also need to pay a type of works tax. This is usually between 2 and 6 percent of the budget of the work to be carried out.
• The final step is the inspection. Once your application has been submitted, the city council may conduct an inspection to verify that the proposed work complies with local regulations.

READ ALSO: Do I need a permit to put a shed or wooden hut in my garden in Spain?

It may take several hours, few days or even a few weeks to be approved and granted, depending on your individual project and the area where you live.

It’s important to note that you may also need a building permit as well as a minor works licence. This is the first step in the construction process, which allows the works to begin and ensures that the project complies with local regulations and building codes.