Best Licensing Lawyers in Maspalomas

1. About Licensing Law in Maspalomas, Spain

Maspalomas is located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana in the Canary Islands. Licensing for businesses and property changes is primarily managed by the local Ayuntamiento (town hall) within the framework set by national and regional laws. In practice, this means you must obtain various licenses before launching or changing a business or using a property for a new activity.

The licensing process covers activities such as opening a commercial establishment, obtaining building permits for renovations, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements. Local rules are implemented through urban planning plans (Plan General de Ordenación) and activity regulations published by the Ayuntamiento. Knowing which licenses you need and how to apply can prevent delays and penalties.

Administrative procedures affecting licensing have increasingly moved toward electronic processing. National laws require digital applications and notifications, while regional authorities offer online portals for certain steps. A local lawyer can help you navigate these requirements quickly and accurately for Maspalomas and the wider San Bartolomé de Tirajana area.

Source: BOE - Leyes governing administrative procedure and public sector licensing

Source: BOC - Canarias official gazette for regional and municipal licensing notices

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Opening a bar in Playa del Inglés requires a licencia de apertura and possibly additional licenses related to noise, occupancy, and outdoor seating. A lawyer helps compile the correct documentation, liaise with the Ayuntamiento, and anticipate inspections to avoid delays.
• Refurbishing a shop to operate as a restaurant needs a licencia de obras and a modified licencia de actividad. Every change in use may trigger new regulatory checks on safety, capacity, and accessibility, which a solicitor can coordinate.
• Renting tourist apartments or villas often requires an activity license and compliance with local tourism and safety rules. A legal adviser ensures you meet all municipal and Canary Islands requirements before listing properties for rent.
• Installing terraces or outdoor advertising can demand separate licenses for terraces (terraza) and signage (Publicidad exterior). An attorney helps with the applications, fees, and any neighborhood objections or sanctions.
• Facing a licensing deficiency or enforcement action by the Ayuntamiento for non compliance or alleged violations. A lawyer can prepare a defense, file remedies, and negotiate corrective steps to minimize penalties.
• Changing ownership of a licensed business or transferring permits due to a sale. A solicitor coordinates the transfer, verifies that licenses remain valid, and handles notifications to authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

Licensing in Maspalomas is shaped by both national public administration laws and Canary Islands regional regulations, plus the specific urban planning rules of the local municipality. The following laws are commonly cited as part of the framework for licensing processes in Spain and the Canary Islands:

• Ley 7/1985 Reguladora de las Bases del Régimen Local - foundational law that defines municipal powers to regulate licenses and permits.
• Ley 39/2015 de Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas - governs administrative procedures including licensing, with an emphasis on electronic processing.
• Ley 40/2015 de Régimen Jurídico del Sector Público - structural rules for public sector administration, including licencing workflows and transparency.
• Ley 38/1999 de Ordenación de la Edificación - relevant to building licenses and construction project compliance.

Recent trends include increased digitalisation of applications, standardised timelines for processing, and stronger emphasis on environmental and urban planning compliance. These changes are reflected in national and Canarias level guidance and are implemented through local ordinances in Maspalomas.

Source: BOE - Ley 7/1985; Ley 39/2015; Ley 40/2015; Ley 38/1999

Source: BOC - Canarias official gazette for regional and municipal licensing notices

Source: Gobierno de Canarias - regional guidance on tourism, urbanismo, and environment affecting licensing

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a licensing process in Maspalomas?

A licensing process authorises you to operate, renovate, or repurpose a business or property. It is issued by the local Ayuntamiento and may involve several steps including documentation, inspections, and fees.

How do I start a licencias de apertura in Maspalomas?

You begin with a pre-licencia check, gather documents (proof of ownership, safety plans, licenses), submit online or in person, and await a technical report from town planners. An attorney helps assemble a complete dossier.

When will my building works license be approved?