To transform a residential property into commercial, it is necessary to follow a set of legal and administrative steps. Here are the main steps to be considered:
Steps to Obtain Licenses
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Consultation of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM):
Before starting the process, it is essential to verify the PDM of the area where the property is located. This plan defines the zones and their permitted uses, and there may be specific restrictions for converting residential properties into commercial ones.
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Alteration of Use License:
It is necessary to request from the Municipal Council the alteration of the property’s use license. This license determines the permitted use for the property (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) and its alteration is a crucial step for conversion.
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Architecture Project:
In many cases, it will be necessary to present an architecture project that details the alterations to be made to the property to adapt it to the new use. This project must comply with all safety and habitability norms required for the new type of use.
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Professional Consultation:
It is advisable to hire an architect or engineer to help in the preparation of the project and ensure that all legal and technical norms are met. This may include the need for a responsibility term signed by the project manager.
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Obtaining Authorizations:
Depending on the type of intervention and the property’s location, it may be necessary to obtain additional authorizations, such as approval from condominium owners, if the property is part of a horizontal property building. However, some recent changes in legislation have simplified this process, dispensing with the need for condominium authorization in certain cases.
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Property Registration Update:
After approval of the alterations, it is necessary to update the property description in the property registration to reflect the new use.
Final Considerations
The process may vary depending on the specificities of the property and location, so it is important to be well informed and, if necessary, consult a lawyer or solicitor specialized in real estate law to ensure that all steps are followed correctly and in compliance with current legislation.