Before renovating, extending or carrying out building work, one of the first questions is which authorisation is needed. CILA, SCIA and a building permit are three different procedures under Italian building law, depending on the proposed works.
Choosing correctly is more than an administrative formality. Starting without the required filing or using the wrong procedure can lead to penalties, suspension and future difficulties selling. The general framework is Presidential Decree 380 of 6 June 2001, the Consolidated Building Act.
CILA—certified notice of commencement of works
Article 6-bis mainly applies to extraordinary maintenance that does not affect structural elements. It covers internal layout changes or improvements not involving the load-bearing structure: moving a kitchen, adding a bathroom, removing or building non-structural partitions, or renewing systems.
A qualified surveyor, architect or engineer prepares the filing and certifies compliance with planning, building and health rules. Filing CILA generally allows work to start without waiting for an express authorisation, while the municipality retains its inspection powers.
SCIA—certified commencement notification
Articles 22 and 23 cover more substantial work, such as alterations to structural elements or renovations falling within the statutory cases. Legislative Decree 222 of 25 November 2016, known as SCIA 2, amended the system to simplify and standardise administrative procedures and clarify which activities require notices, notifications or authorisations.
A qualified professional certifies the project’s compliance. Unlike a building permit, SCIA is generally not an application for prior approval: works can usually begin on filing, subject to subsequent municipal checks.
Building permit
Articles 10 onwards apply to the most significant works, including new construction, extensions increasing volume, additional storeys and major transformations of the territory. Unlike CILA and SCIA, this requires an express municipal decision: the owner submits a complete project and waits for the permit before starting.
For example, rearranging non-load-bearing internal partitions generally uses CILA; altering a load-bearing wall may require SCIA; constructing a new building or significantly extending an existing one normally requires a building permit.
Owners cannot freely choose a procedure. The correct authorisation depends on the works, national legislation and local planning rules. A qualified technician should advise before any project begins.
Even apparently simple works need assessment. Some fall within permit-free building activity under Article 6 of Presidential Decree 380/2001 and the Ministerial Decree of 2 March 2018 approving the relevant glossary; others require a filing or permission.
Understanding these distinctions helps avoid penalties and keeps the property compliant, which is also fundamental for a future sale or transfer.