For a fixed terrace enclosure you generally need two authorisations: your owners' community and the town hall's minor-works licence (or responsible declaration). Skipping them can end in a removal order and a fine.
The good news: with the right technical documents the process is routine. Here is what each body requires and how we manage it.
The owners' community
Enclosing a terrace or balcony alters the facade, so Spain's horizontal property law requires a board resolution (3/5 majority in most cases). If neighbours already have identical approved enclosures, approval is usually straightforward. We prepare drawings and a photomontage for your board.
The town hall
- Fixed framed enclosure: minor-works licence or responsible declaration, depending on the municipality.
- Folding glass curtains: many bylaws treat them as a movable element with a simplified process.
- Penthouses and protected facades: may need an extra report.
- Typical fees: €30-300 depending on the town hall and the works budget.
Real timelines
A responsible declaration lets you start immediately in many municipalities; a minor-works licence takes 2 to 8 weeks depending on the town hall. Our manufacturing time (3-4 weeks) usually overlaps the process, so it rarely delays the project.
What if I enclose without a licence
The town hall can open a file, impose a fine and order the enclosure removed. An unlicensed enclosure also complicates selling the home. Legalising afterwards is almost always more expensive than filing first.
We take care of the paperwork
With every enclosure we prepare the technical documents for your community and your town hall at no extra cost.
See terrace enclosuresFrequently asked questions
Do glass curtains need a licence?+
Being foldable and frameless, many bylaws treat them as a removable element with a simplified process or no works licence. It depends on the municipality: we verify it for you.
Who is liable without a licence: the company or the owner?+
Planning liability sits with the owner. That is why document preparation is part of our service: nobody should install a fixed enclosure without discussing the licence with you.
Does the enclosure affect property tax?+
If it counts as built area and is registered, it may slightly adjust the cadastral value. A minor effect compared with the added home value.