Minister of Development, Alexandru Stoica, clarifies the rules for enclosed balconies without a permit: the double tax does not apply

Development Minister Alexandru Stoica announced Thursday the issuance of an order clarifying the application of the new Urban Planning Code to enclosed balconies built without a construction permit. According to the document, owners will not be required to pay a 100% higher tax solely because they enclosed their balconies.

The tax increase applies only to buildings constructed entirely without a permit, not to minor modifications made to legally built homes. Owners who enclosed their balconies more than three years ago do not need to obtain a permit or take any additional steps. The age of the work may be declared on one's own responsibility.

For balconies enclosed after 2023 or after the new provisions enter into force, notification of the city hall and submission of a project prepared by an architect or designer will be required. In the case of works carried out within the past three years, city halls will inform owners of the steps necessary to bring them into compliance, without the automatic application of the double tax.

The order was signed and sent for publication in the Official Gazette. The minister also announced a second order under which local authorities and professional organizations of architects will be able to propose amendments to the Urban Planning Code. Work affecting the load-bearing structure remains major construction work and is subject to permitting rules.