Commentary on Judgment No. 28013 of 2023 on Construction and Seismic Zones

The judgment No. 28013 of January 25, 2023, filed on June 28, 2023, represents an important ruling by the Court of Cassation regarding violations related to construction, particularly those concerning interventions in seismic zones. On this occasion, the Court analyzed the configurability of the violations provided for by Articles 93 and 94 of the D.P.R. June 6, 2001, No. 380, highlighting the need for a concrete verification of the type of work carried out.

The Regulatory Context

The D.P.R. No. 380 of 2001 governs construction activities in Italy, establishing the procedures and authorizations necessary for the execution of works, especially in seismic zones. In particular, Articles 93 and 94 concern administrative penalties for the lack of notice and authorization for construction interventions. The Court reiterated that the mere absence of such requirements is not sufficient to establish the violation; a valuation of the characteristics of the work and its classification is necessary.

The Summary of the Judgment

Violations of the lack of written notice of the execution of construction interventions in seismic zones and the execution of the intervention in said zone in the absence of the required authorization - Configurability - Conditions. For the configurability of the violations respectively provided for by Articles 93 and 94 D.P.R. June 6, 2001, No. 380, a concrete verification of the type of work carried out is necessary, needing to ascertain whether, due to the structural characteristics that characterize it or due to its classification, the construction is effectively subject to written notice by the client and prior authorization by the authority in charge of control. (Case concerning the construction of internal partitions in a garage, where the conviction decision was annulled).

This summary clarifies that the mere lack of notice and authorization is not sufficient to configure a violation; a thorough assessment of the structural characteristics of the work is necessary. In the specific case, it concerned the construction of internal partitions in a garage, for which the Court deemed that authorization was not required.

Practical Implications of the Judgment

The judgment has important implications for professionals in the construction sector and for clients. The main considerations to keep in mind are:

  • The need to carefully assess the structural characteristics of the intervention before proceeding with execution.
  • The importance of understanding whether the work falls within the category of those subject to notice and authorization.
  • The risk of penalties can be reduced through proper legal and technical advice.

In conclusion, judgment No. 28013 of 2023 highlights the complexity of construction regulations in seismic zones and the necessity for a thorough assessment of the works to be carried out. A correct interpretation of the regulations can prevent legal issues and penalties for clients and professionals in the sector.

Bianucci Law Firm