The recent “Save Home” decree introduces a series of significant innovations for homeowners, making some building interventions simpler and quicker.
This provision, approved by the government and already in force, must be converted into law within two months by Parliament, during which further amendments could be introduced.
But what exactly is the news? And which interventions will no longer require permits or communications?
Possible amnesties
The “Save Home” decree expands the possibilities of access to amnesties to be presented to the Municipalities. In particular, it increases tolerances for non-load-bearing and unauthorized structures. For example, for an apartment under 100 square meters, the tolerance goes from 2% to 5% for non-habitable partitions, doors, windows and mezzanines.
To be precise, the tolerances increase to 3% for properties between 300 and 500 square meters, to 4% for those under 300 square meters, and reach 5% for surfaces under 100 square meters.
Furthermore, verandas that do not create closed spaces, tents and heat pumps are considered free building interventions, therefore without the need for authorization.
The decree also introduces the concept of silent assent: if the administration does not respond to the request within the established timeframe (45 days for amnesties), the practice is considered accepted.
Also passed double compliancewhich blocked some amnesty requests.
Double compliance required that the works comply with the regulations at the time of their construction and those in force at the time of submission of the amnesty application. This criterion has been eliminated for minor irregularities, allowing the regularization of buildings that comply with current urban planning regulations, even if built years ago.
However, it remains valid for the most serious violations, which cannot be remedied.
Heat pumps and windows among the interventions involved
Among the interventions that will no longer require qualifications or communications are the installation of heat pumps up to 12 kWthe removal of architectural barriers and the installation of removable panoramic windows (Vepa).
The latter, previously limited to overhanging balconies or loggias, can now also be installed in porches or porches on the ground floor without permits.
Awnings, awnings, outdoor awnings and pergola awnings with retractable fabric will also be installable without the need for authorization.
Furthermore, the decree introduces a new type of free building intervention for works to protect from the sun or atmospheric agents (pergolas), as long as they do not involve changes in volumes and surfaces and are harmonized with the aesthetics of the building.
Change of intended use
Finally, the decree facilitates the change of intended use of real estate units within the same functional category. For example, an apartment can now be converted into an accommodation facility simply with a certified notification of commencement of activity.
More significant changes involving different functional categories, such as from residential to tourist or commercial, are permitted only under specific conditions.
Possible changes in parliament
Changes to the decree during the parliamentary passage are still being discussed, and could lead to further changes. Among the proposals under consideration, there is the so-called “Save Milan”, a law designed to unblock the completion of numerous skyscrapers.
Other proposals concern overcoming the minimum habitability measuressuch as the minimum height of 2.70 meters and the minimum surface area of 28 square meters for a room.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, clarified that these measures do not concern the habitability of basements and washrooms, but aim to overcome obsolete hygiene regulations. According to Salvini, these changes will make it possible to remedy small internal differences, such as mezzanines, plasterboard walls and verandas, making life easier for homeowners.
