Essential Guides & Advice Tuscan Planning Regulations

Date Published:

24/06/2008

In Italy it is estimated that there are 150,000 buildings without planning permission.

Every now and again the government gives an unofficial amnesty where people can declare their illegal buildings. It's called a Condoni, but relying on a Condoni is incredibly risky. Even if you pull it off and the government calls another amnesty, you'll almost certainly end up with a hefty fine and even the possibility of a jail term.

Perhaps understandably, native Tuscans aren't happy about Brits coming in and buying up their beautiful properties, raising house prices in the process. As a result, planning permission can be harder to obtain for Brits than for locals. To help build contacts and improve your chances, think about employing a geometra. They are a planner, surveyor and engineer all in one, a service that will prove invaluable to your application.

On bigger projects, a geometra will work in conjunction with an architect. They will be able to advise on many issues that are specific to your region, and their advice will be indispensable on issues such as local building codes and structural requirements relating to the area's earthquake risk.

Italy is a country that has dealt with the problems of geological rumblings for countless generations. By now, they're pretty good at getting it right, but earthquake-proofing an old building to modern standards could add an extra 25 per cent on to the cost.

All of this bureaucracy hasn't put people off. Buying old buildings in Tuscany is hugely popular and there are fewer and fewer good old buildings available. Anyone interested in this type of project better have lots of patience, lots of time, lots of dedication and a willingness to act now before historic Tuscany is all bought up.