Certificate of urban planning destination (CDU): what it is, used for and when it is mandatory

The certificate of urban planning designation (CDU) is an official document issued by the municipality that indicates the urban planning designation of a plot of land or area and any restrictions. It serves to prevent abuse, clarify building rights, and protect buyers and sellers.

The certificate of urban destination is only necessary in the case of real estate sales involving land exceeding 5000 square meters and can be requested from the municipal office of the area where the property is located.

It is valid for one year from the date of request, unless changes are made to the urban planning regulations.

What is the Certificate of Urban Planning Designation (CDU)?

The CDU, or certificate of urban planning designation, is a document that contains a summary of all the information relating to a property, particularly those that also include land.

The CDU contains:

• The urban planning designation (e.g., buildable, agricultural, residential, craft, etc.)
• Cadastral references
• The building index and other urban planning parameters (e.g., buildability index, possibility of construction, hydrogeological risk, etc.)

When is the CDU mandatory?

The CDU is mandatory in the following cases:

• Transfers of ownership
• Sale or transfer of rights relating to land or urban areas pertaining to buildings, with an area ≥ 5,000 m²

It must accompany deeds of succession, donation, or division of land that fall under the regulations. If the document is not attached in these circumstances, the entire deed is considered invalid and void. However, it is possible to remedy the omission by means of a deed drawn up at a later date.

Validity and issuance times

The certificate of urban destination is not issued immediately, so it is advisable to apply in good time.

• Issuance times: the municipality has up to 30 days to deliver the CDU from the date of request.
• Duration: the CDU is valid for one year from the date of issue, unless there are changes to the urban planning instruments of the territory.

Who can request it and how to obtain it

The request can be made in person or online, depending on the municipality. The following may request the CDU:

• The owner
• The buyer
• The notary
• A delegated technician
• An heir (in the case of succession)

The following must be attached to the application form:

• Identity document
• Cadastral data (municipality, province, sheet, parcel)

Do you want to sell a property that is in compliance with regulations?

With Toscano, you can count on verification, assistance, and up-to-date documentation for a transparent and obstacle-free sale.