Portugal’s municipal councils reject government’s plans for urban licensing

The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) has rejected issuing a positive report into an outline law from the government that would alter the country’s building and Urbanization Legal Regime (RJUE).

The bill is currently under discussion in the Portuguese parliament. The government’s measures include slashing the times it takes to get a decision on planing permission applications, as well as a relaxation on some RJUE rules.

The association has also shown reservations on the introduction of new responsibilities for municipal councils without provisions for an increment in council staff to deal with them, as well as as warning of a risk of encouraging poor building standards and uncontrolled development if the legislation is not adapted to local realities.

A the same time, the Justice Ombudsman is doing a study on the condition of public housing stock and has asked municipal councils to inspect and do a report on the state of public housing in their municipalities under their management, also highlighting their needs.

Source: Vida Imobiliária
Photo: ANPM