Civil Engineering Authority and Seismic Authorization in the Marche Region: A Practical Guide

The Genio Civile is the regional technical authority responsible for the control and authorization of building works in areas classified as being at seismic risk — which, in practice, means almost the entire territory of the Marche Region. What does it actually deal with? It verifies that projects involving new construction, extensions, or modifications to structural elements — such as load-bearing walls, floors, roofs, and foundations — comply with seismic safety regulations, both before and after the works are carried out.

In the Marche Region, this area is governed by Regional Law No. 1/2018 (“New rules for construction in seismic areas in the Marche Region”) and the relevant implementing guidelines, now updated by Regional Government Resolution DGR 976/2025, which replaced and revised the previous DGR 975/2021 by incorporating the changes introduced by the Salva Casa Decree. All applications are submitted through the regional online portal D.O.M.U.S. (domus.regione.marche.it), which is mandatory for any work subject to a building permit or other authorization.

The Three Categories of Works: What Is Actually Required?

Not all structural works require the same level of authorization. The legislation applicable in the Marche Region distinguishes between three cases:

1. Exempt Building Works — No Seismic Filing Required

Works that do not affect structural safety, such as non-load-bearing partitions, replacement of windows and doors, prefabricated internal staircases, very lightweight photovoltaic panels, and small boundary walls.

2. Works of Minor Relevance — Professional Certification and Filing through D.O.M.U.S.

Most renovation works involving a farmhouse or an existing building fall into this category: new openings in load-bearing walls, local strengthening works, limited vertical extensions, and new buildings up to two storeys.

The qualified professional — a structural engineer or architect — submits a seismic compliance certification directly through the D.O.M.U.S. portal, without waiting for prior authorization. Work may begin after the filing has been submitted, subject to possible sample checks by the regional authority.

3. Significant Works — Mandatory Prior Seismic Authorization

Public works, private works financed with public funds, seismic upgrades, and significant vertical extensions to existing buildings.

In these cases, seismic authorization from the Region must be obtained before the works begin, with processing times depending on the workload of the regional authority responsible for the relevant province, such as Ancona or Macerata.

Two Common Cases We Frequently Deal With

Installing a Structural Frame for a New Doorway in a Load-Bearing Wall

During many farmhouse renovations in the area — including Jesi, Cingoli, Filottrano, and the inland areas of Ancona and Macerata — it is often necessary to create an opening in a load-bearing wall to connect two rooms or create a new entrance.

Technically, this involves installing a structural frame around the opening. A steel or reinforced-concrete frame is introduced to redistribute the loads that were previously carried by the portion of masonry being removed.

This type of work is classified as a “minor relevance” intervention: it requires structural calculations, certification by the designer, and filing through D.O.M.U.S., rather than prior authorization.

Realistic timeframes, provided that the documentation is complete: a few days for the filing, subject to the outcome of any sample inspection.

Strengthening an Existing Floor

In stone farmhouses, it is common to find timber or reinforced-concrete floors that have deteriorated, with beams weakened by moisture or woodworm, or simply undersized for their current use — for example, when converting a former hayloft into habitable space.

Strengthening may involve the installation of a structural topping slab, connectors, or partial replacement of the existing structure. This also falls within the category of works of minor relevance when it does not substantially alter the building's structural system, subject to the designer's assessment based on the scope of the work.

Here too, the procedure involves structural calculations, professional certification, and filing through D.O.M.U.S.

What Is Required After Authorization or Filing?

• Structural Works Director: responsible for verifying that the works are carried out in accordance with the submitted project.

• Structural Testing Engineer: required in the cases established by law, generally for significant interventions or where required by the designer.

• Static testing or declaration of proper execution: to be submitted at the end of the works, also through D.O.M.U.S.

These procedures involve several professional roles that need to be properly coordinated — structural engineer, geologist (where a geological report is required), works director, and structural testing engineer.

At our practice, we coordinate these activities internally, providing the client with a single point of contact throughout the entire process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Genio Civile?

Genio Civile is the traditional name for the regional technical authority — today organized through the Territorial Services of the Marche Region — responsible for authorizing and monitoring structural works in seismic areas.

What does the Genio Civile deal with?

It receives and reviews seismic applications — certifications for works of minor relevance and requests for authorization for significant works — and verifies their compliance with seismic safety regulations, including through sample inspections during and after construction.

How do you file a project with the Genio Civile in the Marche Region?

Through the regional D.O.M.U.S. portal, where the qualified professional uploads the project, structural calculations, and seismic compliance certification.

​

When is Genio Civile authorization required, and when is a filing sufficient?

It depends on the category of work under Regional Law No. 1/2018. Most residential renovation projects fall within the category of “works of minor relevance”, for which a filing is sufficient, while public works, works financed with public funds, and significant seismic upgrades require prior authorization.

​

Are you considering a structural frame, floor strengthening, or any other structural intervention on your farmhouse in the Marche Region?

Book a free site inspection: together we will assess the category of intervention, the expected timeframe, and the documentation required for filing through D.O.M.U.S.

→ Contact us to book a free site inspection