Paperwork may seem overwhelming, but the permit process for a pergola is simpler than it looks. Follow these 5 steps and you’ll have everything in order.

Step 1: Check your property type

Single-family home: you only need to check municipal regulations
Apartment in a community: you also need homeowners’ association approval
Commercial premises: activity regulations apply + possible municipal license

Step 2: Check the municipal ordinance

Go to your town hall’s website and look for “public space occupation ordinance” or “awning installation regulations.” If you can’t find it, call or visit the urban planning department.

Ask specifically:

Does a demountable aluminum pergola require a license?
Are there color or dimension restrictions?
Is a responsible declaration sufficient?

Step 3: Prepare technical documentation

You’ll need:

Pergola technical data sheet (we’ll provide it)
Layout plan or sketch of the terrace location
Photographs of the current state
Descriptive report (structure type, materials, colors)

Step 4: Present to the community (if applicable)

Ask the president to include your request on the meeting agenda
Bring visual documentation: catalog, photos of similar installations
Emphasize it’s a demountable structure that won’t damage the building
Get the agreement recorded in the minutes

Step 5: Submit to the town hall

With community approval (if applicable) and technical documentation, submit the application. In most cases a responsible declaration is sufficient: a document in which you declare that your installation complies with regulations and you take responsibility.

Estimated timelines:

Responsible declaration: immediate effect (no resolution wait)
Minor building permit: 1-3 months

At Pergolas Canarias we provide all the technical documentation you need and guide you through the process. Ask for information with no obligation.