A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE AGRICULTURAL STORAGE LICENSE
Storage facilities are an integral part of a modern agricultural or livestock farm. However, the institutional framework for such infrastructure remains largely unclear, with the result that, in most cases, producers are unaware of the relevant procedures they must follow, either when they want to build a new storage facility or when they wish to legalize an unauthorized construction.
According to current urban planning legislation, the construction of a warehouse without a building permit is permitted on cultivated farms outside the plan, regardless of whether or not there is a residence on the farm.
In this case, the plot of land must be even and buildable, and the warehouse must be stone-built, with a tiled roof, with a surface area of up to 15 square meters and a total building height, including the roof, of 3 meters.
For the construction of these small warehouses, instead of a building permit, a “Small Scale Works Approval” is required, which is issued by the Building Department (Urban Planning) of the Municipality, after approval by the Directorate of Agricultural Economy & Veterinary Medicine, which will justify the necessity and expediency of the warehouse for the farm’s cultivation. Veterinary Medicine, which will justify the necessity and expediency of the storage facility for the cultivation of the farm.
What documents are required for a stone warehouse?
The required documents are:
Application by the owner. If there is a building on the plot, the building’s legal documents are required, e.g. building permit, completion under Law 4178/13 or Law 4495/2017, Engineer’s certificate for buildings constructed before 1955.
Topographical diagram and survey of the warehouse (location, dimensions, distances, etc.).
Architectural plans of the building’s elevation, section, and floor plan.
Engineer’s technical report.
Certificate where there is a land registry.
Photographs of the property.
Affidavit of consent from the co-owners of the property.
Certificate of necessity and functionality of the warehouse from the Directorate of Agricultural Economy & Veterinary Medicine of the Regional Unit of the Region where the agricultural plot is located.
Other approvals from competent authorities, Forestry Service, Ministry of Culture, Architectural Council for areas subject to special urban planning regulations (e.g., Pelion).
How is feasibility approval granted by the competent Directorate of Agriculture?
The following supporting documents must be submitted in order for approval to be granted:
Application stating the type of crop, the location and size of the farm, or a crop declaration to the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS). Copies of forms E1 and E9, showing the declared agricultural parcel.
Two copies of a topographical diagram, marking the location of the warehouse at a distance of 10 m from the boundaries, indicating land use, building conditions, and restrictions.
Two sets of architectural plans that follow the design and functionality of the agricultural warehouse must include ventilation skylights and a large loading door, in accordance with urban planning restrictions.
Statement – Affidavit with the corresponding documents for the machinery, tools, supplies, etc. to be stored.
Copy of the estate’s crop declaration.
