Minor works permit: What is it and how do you apply for it?

In the field of construction and renovation, managing permits and complying with regulations are essential steps. If you plan to carry out repair or renovation work on your property, it is essential that you have a thorough understanding of the process of applying for a minor works permit*. This document is crucial to ensure that your renovation complies with current legislation.

Companies, freelancers, and individuals often have questions about how to obtain this document, what requirements the work must meet, and how much it will cost. Below, we answer these questions and explain how to apply for a minor works permit from your local council.

What does a minor works license or permit entail?

A minor works permit is the formal authorization granted by the local administration, i.e., the city council, to carry out small-scale construction work. This type of permit is intended for renovations, installations, or repairs that do not require a comprehensive technical project and that, fundamentally, do not affect the building's load-bearing structure or substantially alter its appearance.

The main characteristic of a minor project is its technical simplicity and low cost, generally not exceeding 100 square meters of renovated space to be classified as such.

Difference between minor and major works

It is essential to differentiate between these two types of permits in order to know which one to apply for.

While major work requires the supervision of an architect and involves significant structural alterations (such as modifying the facade, extending the property, or demolishing load-bearing walls), minor work focuses on simpler tasks. For example, tiling work, renovating plumbing installations, or replacing the electrical system are considered minor works. In addition to the technical difference, there are administrative and time variations between the two types of licenses.

Common cases in which a minor works permit is required

It is a common mistake to assume that certain renovations do not require authorization. However, most tasks related to the construction or renovation of a property require this minor works permit.

Authorization is required when renovations are small, simple, and short-term. Work that usually requires this type of license includes:

• Replace doors or windows.
• Paint the exterior of the building.
• Carry out repairs on roofs without altering the original structure.
• Replace wall coverings or tiling.
• Install false ceilings.
• Renovate the plumbing, gas, or electrical systems.
• Install air conditioning or heating systems.
• Install crown molding or replace the flooring.
• Remove architectural barriers or adapt the property for people with reduced mobility.

To ensure the legality of any work, it is advisable to consult with the local council or a professional before starting the work.

Minor works permit application process

Applying for a minor works permit involves four basic steps: gathering the documentation, submitting the application, paying the fees, and waiting for approval.

Essential documentation

Although requirements may vary slightly depending on the local administration, in all municipalities in Spain, a series of essential documents are generally requested:

• A detailed report describing the renovations to be carried out, allowing the administration to calculate the expiration date.
• A detailed budget for the work.
• The official application form, duly completed.
• Photocopy of the applicant's ID card (individual) or tax identification number (company).
• Copy of the proof of ownership or title deed.
• Project plans, if necessary, and authorization from the homeowners' association if the work requires it.

Submission of the application

Minor works permits are processed by the municipal council. Traditionally, applications are submitted in person at the town planning offices. However, thanks to digitization, many local councils now allow applications to be submitted online via their electronic headquarters. When completing the forms, it is essential to be as specific as possible about the planned renovations in order to speed up the process.

Municipal fees and taxes

Obtaining these permits involves paying certain fees that depend exclusively on each local council. The two main items are:

• Municipal fees: These are the fees for the application itself, which usually range from 2% to 5% of the initial renovation budget. It is important to note that some local authorities have abolished this urban planning fee.
• ICIO (Tax on Construction, Installations, and Works): This is a mandatory tax for any work that requires a planning permit. This tax is applied to the total cost of the project and can represent between 3% and 6% of the project budget, depending on the location. Some municipalities offer rebates if the work includes improvements in accessibility or sustainability.

These fees are usually paid when submitting the application, especially when the procedure is carried out electronically.

Concession, terms, and risks

Waiting periods for approval

The time it takes for a local council to grant a minor works permit varies depending on the location and administrative complexity. Although the response is usually quick, it can sometimes take from a few hours or days to several weeks or a month. Once granted, the permit marks the legal start of the works.

Compliance requirements

Proper submission of the application does not guarantee approval. To obtain a positive response, the work must comply with local urban planning, safety, and accessibility regulations. In addition, the work must not involve a change in the use of the property or structural modifications.

Permit expiration

A minor works license is a temporary authorization. The permit has an expiration date that is usually set based on the scope of the work. Generally, the validity period is between six months and one year, although in other cases it can be from one to three years. If the work is not completed within the established period, it is mandatory to request an extension.

Consequences of acting without authorization

Starting a renovation without the necessary minor works permit or without waiting for it to be granted exposes the offender to significant risks. The legal consequences can range from immediate stoppage of the works and fines (penalties) to an order to restore the property to its original state.

As we always say, at Studio by Clikalia we will always recommend that, whenever permits and licenses are involved in a renovation (which is almost always the case), you choose a 360º renovation studio to take care of this and all other administrative tasks. This will save you from having to deal with these tedious procedures, which can often become bogged down if you have to apply for them yourself. So, we encourage you to request a free, no-obligation quote now and let us help you make your dream renovation a reality.

* A quick note: This post or guide provides a general explanation of the types of permits and licenses that may be required if you want to carry out minor work on your home. As this is a process that depends on the local council where the work is to be carried out, the permits and licenses required may vary from one council to another, so we recommend that you always check with your local council before starting the work.