For conversion or renovation measures, Mallorca's municipalities only need a declaration of their own responsibility. But what's behind it?
In recent years, smaller private conversion and renovation projects in particular have led to a flood of building permit applications in the local authorities. As in other Spanish regions, the decision has now been taken in Mallorca to put a stop to the growing mountain of applications in the offices.
Builders have been able to submit a so-called "declaración responsable" to the respective town hall since mid-May, i.e. a kind of self-declaration that their building project complies with all legal requirements of the municipality. Once the declaration has been submitted, the obligation to apply for planning permission no longer applies. And work can begin immediately.Not suitable for new buildings or construction projects in the countryside
The "declaración responsable" as a substitute for a building permit only applies to projects on urban land (suelo urbano) and for conversion and renovation work on existing properties. New construction projects are excluded from the regulation. Clients must also submit a technical architectural project that has been reviewed and approved by the regional Chamber of Architects together with their own declaration. All documents must be submitted to the municipal administration by December 31 of this year at the latest.
In the case of more complex renovation or gutting projects, such as complete renovations of village houses, information on improving energy efficiency and reducing water consumption is also mandatory. Further information is available from the council.
