Unlicensed construction (illegal building)

An unlicensed construction is a building erected without a permit or contrary to the permit and its annexes. Beyond entirely unpermitted buildings, adding floors, enclosing balconies to gain space and creating rooms absent from the project all fall within the concept.

Upon detection the building is sealed and works are halted; if the violation is not cured or a permit obtained within the statutory period, a demolition order follows and an administrative fine is imposed on the owner. Fines are calculated according to the extent and nature of the violation, and demolition costs are also recovered from the responsible party.

Such buildings cannot obtain occupancy permits or pass to condominium ownership, and cannot be legalised outside occasional temporary schemes such as zoning amnesties. Checking the permit and occupancy status with the municipality before purchase protects buyers from severe sanction risks.