# Permits for your enclosure.

> When you need a permit to enclose a terrace or penthouse in Spain: the town hall, the community of owners and what to check before installing.

## Do I need a permit to enclose my terrace?

Two parties usually decide: the town hall and, in a block of flats, the owners' community. The town hall sets the procedure under its own bylaws, often a prior notice or a minor works licence. The community has to approve the enclosure when it changes the facade. Rules differ between municipalities, so check them before ordering a system.

- Who decides: Town hall and community
- Depends on: Municipality, building and system
- What LUNEKS handles: (to be confirmed)

## Which procedure does the town hall usually ask for?

Each town hall classifies building work in its local bylaw (ordenanza). A light enclosure that does not touch the structure is usually treated as minor works (obra menor). Many municipalities handle it with a prior notice (comunicación previa) or a responsible declaration (declaración responsable) instead of a licence. Others ask for a minor works licence (licencia de obra menor), especially when the enclosure changes the outside of the building.

In some municipalities enclosing a terrace can count as adding built floor area, and the conditions are then stricter. That is why the same glass curtain can be a simple formality in one town and need more paperwork in the next.

- Comunicación previa or declaración responsable: you notify the town hall and file the documents it asks for, without waiting for a formal decision.
- Licencia de obra menor: the town hall reviews the application and authorises it before work starts.
- What each town hall in the area requires: (to be confirmed)
- Usual processing times: (to be confirmed)

## Do I need the community of owners to agree?

In an apartment building the facade is a common element. The Spanish Horizontal Property Act (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal) requires a decision of the owners meeting for works that change the outside of the building, and enclosing a terrace or penthouse usually falls into that category. The majority needed depends on the type of works and the community rules.

Many communities have already approved a standard enclosure so that all terraces look the same. If there is one, you have to follow it. If not, the usual route is to take the proposal to the owners meeting with photos and a description of the system.

- Check the community rules and minutes for an existing agreement or approved model.
- Ask the property administrator (administrador de fincas) which majority your community needs.
- A detached house with no community only needs the town hall procedure.

## How do you find out what your case needs?

Four checks before you order the enclosure.

1. **Read the bylaw.** Ask the town hall or check its website for how enclosures are classified and which procedure applies.
2. **Talk to the community.** Ask the administrator whether there is an approved model and which majority is needed.
3. **Define the system.** After the site visit you will know which system, size and finish to submit.
4. **File the documents.** Once the system is defined, the application is filed. (to be confirmed)

## How does LUNEKS help with permits?

(to be confirmed)

## Questions about permits

### Do glass curtains need a licence?

It depends on the municipality. Many town halls treat them as minor works with a prior notice, others ask for a licence. Check with your town hall before installing.

### Can the community stop me enclosing my terrace?

If the enclosure changes the facade, the Horizontal Property Act requires the agreement of the owners meeting. Without it the community can ask for it to be removed.

### What happens if I enclose without a permit?

The town hall or the community can require it to be legalised or removed. The exact consequences depend on local rules.

### Does a pergola need a permit?

That also depends on the municipality and the type of pergola. An anchored, roofed structure is usually treated as building work, just like a roof.

### Do you handle the paperwork?

(to be confirmed)

---

https://luneks.es/en/enclosure-permits/