The permits you need are issued by the City Councils (Ayuntamientos). The types of permits and the requirements to obtain them vary depending on the extent of the project but in general they can be group as follows:
– Permits for major construction (obras mayores) for new construction and restoration projects
– Permits for minor construction (obras menores) for renovations
The costs of both of these types of permits are calculated based on the percentage of the final construction fee. Since this license has to be obtain before the project begin, initially, the client will have to pay for the license calculated based on the estimated fee, then once the project is completed, the client then will have to pay for the difference based on the actual costs of the project.
The request for the permit (solicitud de licencia ) require a cost and so does the permit itself. The work permit for major work should cost between 3 and 3,5% of the initial referential budget. The cost for a work permit for minor construction is lower and very often free in the case there is no modification in the interior distribution. Once granted the city council allows a year time frame to begin construction and between six months to two years to finish depending on the scale of the construction. Any license can be prolonged with an addition cost.
Other types of licenses and permits:
The habitability certificate (La cédula de habitabilidad)
Once the work is completed, it is necessary to obtain the certificate for habitability. This it is a certificate that issue by the autonomous communities (comunidades autónomas) of Spain and that certifies the construction fulfills the regulations of habitability in Spain. The cost is insignificant in view of the other expenses. It should be requested for and pay by the client.
The license of first occupation (La licencia de primera ocupación)
After the completion of the work, the City Council (Ayuntamiento) must ensure that the construction corresponds with the original project to which it has given license to. To attain this, the City Council will arrange a visit with the client and will verify various aspects of the work. When approved, the license of initial occupation will allow for requests of services for utilities such as electricity, water and gas. Its cost is insignificant in view of the other expenses.