Comment on Judgment No. 14644 of 2024: Building Crimes and Derogatory Building Permits

The recent judgment No. 14644 of March 13, 2024, by the Court of Salerno has sparked a lively debate regarding building crimes and, in particular, the application of derogatory building permits to urban planning tools. This decision is situated within a complex legal context, where the protection of the territory and compliance with urban planning regulations meet the needs for economic and social development of the country.

The Legal Context

The judgment in question refers to S. G. Srl Unipersonale, accused of having constructed a building intended for residential use and commercial activities within a “project financing” program. However, the Court established that such construction cannot take place through a derogatory building permit, as provided for by Article 14 of the Presidential Decree No. 380 of June 6, 2001. This article allows derogations only in exceptional cases, for the pursuit of public interests, and not for interventions that do not comply with the prevailing urban planning tools.

Building crimes - Construction of a building for residential use and commercial activities included in a “project financing” program - Derogatory building permit in relation to urban planning tools under Article 14 of Presidential Decree No. 380 of 2001 - Illegitimacy - Reasons. In the context of building crimes, the construction of a building for residential use and commercial activities, even if included in a planned “project financing” intervention, cannot be authorized with a derogatory building permit in accordance with Article 14 of Presidential Decree No. 380 of June 6, 2001, since such a procedure is exceptional in nature and is allowed solely for the pursuit of public interests, hence the illegitimacy of such enabling provision.

The Implications of the Judgment

This judgment has significant implications for the construction sector and local administrations. In fact, it highlights:

  • The strict adherence to urban planning regulations
  • The necessity to ensure that every construction project addresses real public interests
  • The risk of illegitimacy for interventions that attempt to circumvent the current regulations

The consequences of this ruling can be significant, as they could lead to increased scrutiny by the competent authorities and sanctions against those who attempt to abuse the derogations provided by law.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 14644 of 2024 not only reaffirms the importance of adhering to urban planning regulations but also emphasizes the need for a balance between economic development and territorial protection. Public administrations and construction sector operators must pay attention to this important jurisprudential orientation to avoid incurring sanctions and to ensure that their projects are not only legitimate but also beneficial to the community.

Bianucci Law Firm