Commentary on Judgment No. 50766 of 2023: Landscape Crimes and Authorizations

The Judgment No. 50766 of November 15, 2023, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides interesting insights into the regulations governing landscape crimes in Italy. In particular, the decision clarifies the conditions under which external installations, made in protected areas, may not require landscape authorization. This topic is of great relevance for entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector, as the correct interpretation of the regulations can significantly impact daily practices.

The Regulatory Context

The ruling refers to point A.17 of Annex A to Presidential Decree No. 31 of 2017. According to this point, external installations do not require authorization if they are intended to complement establishments for the serving of food and beverages, commercial activities, tourist accommodations, sports, or leisure activities. However, to take advantage of this exclusion, it is essential that such installations have a minimal impact on the protected asset in terms of structural characteristics, materials used, and the absence of stable masonry.

Exclusion Conditions

The Court emphasized that the exclusion from authorization is subject to specific conditions, including:

  • Installations intended for establishments serving food and beverages.
  • Commercial activities, tourist accommodations, sports, or leisure activities.
  • Minimal impact on the landscape asset in terms of materials and structural characteristics.
  • Absence of masonry and stable connections to the ground.
Landscape crimes – Interventions excluded from landscape authorization pursuant to point A.17 of Annex A to Presidential Decree No. 31 of 2017 – Conditions. Regarding landscape crimes, external installations as per point A.17 of Annex A to Presidential Decree No. 31 of February 13, 2017, made in a protected area do not require landscape authorization if they are intended to complement establishments for the serving of food and beverages, commercial activities, tourist accommodations, sports, or leisure activities, and moreover, they exhibit minimal impact on the protected asset in terms of structural characteristics and materials used, as well as the absence of masonry and stable connection to the ground.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Judgment No. 50766 of 2023 represents an important reference for all those operating in the commercial and tourist sectors in protected areas. The clarity of the conditions for exclusion from landscape authorization provides greater legal certainty, allowing for the planning and development of projects while respecting the protection of the landscape heritage. However, it is essential that industry operators adequately inform themselves about the specific regulations and conditions provided to avoid potential conflicts with the law.

Bianucci Law Firm