The City Council issued 1,088 new building or large renovation permits last year, 10.6% of which were for major renovation projects. Licences currently take an average of seven months to be issued. The new specialist unit is intended to halve the time needed for the issue of permits to renovate homes and buildings. To achieve this, there will be support for promotors during the application process, guaranteeing agile communication and follow-up throughout the process and making it easy to access contact people. The needs and demands of the sector will be taken into account throughout the process and proposals taken from the Architects’Association of Catalonia (COAC), the Barcelona Observatory for Architectural Restoration Association (OBRA) and other professional associations.

The service will initially handle applications for major works permits, provide advice and promote good practice. Later on, applications and advice for major renovation projects will start being handled.

Quality and energy efficiency for renovations

A catalogue of good practice will be compiled to ensure quality in renovation projects, taking into consideration materials, the state of buildings and energy efficiency criteria.

Opting for housing renovations

The renovation of existing flats and properties is fundamental as it allows for energy efficiency improvements in residential buildings, cuts emissions, preserves heritage and helps people to have decent housing and quality of life. Besides improving housing conditions in residential property in the city, the new call for renovation subsidies for building and housing is designed to tackle the climate crisis and reactivate the local economy.