Entry into Force of the Amendments to SIMPLEX Urbanístico
The amendments to SIMPLEX Urbanístico enter into force today, following the publication last Friday of the decree that introduces significant changes to the regulatory framework governing urban planning and construction in Portugal.
This reform aims to address the feasibility constraints identified in the previous reform introduced by the so-called SIMPLEX Urbanístico, by simplifying licensing procedures, making deadlines more flexible and streamlined, clarifying key concepts — such as “building works” (edificação), “reconstruction works” (obras de reconstrução), and “urban planning operations” (operações urbanísticas) — as well as strengthening the legal certainty of urban planning permits.
The new decree amends the following legal frameworks:
- The Legal Framework for Urban Planning and Building Works (RJUE);
- The Legal Framework for Urban Rehabilitation; and
- The Reform and Simplification of Licensing in the fields of Urban Planning, Spatial Planning, and Industry.
The new decree also revokes the General Regulations on Urban Buildings (Regulamento Geral das Edificações Urbanas). This revocation will only take effect upon the entry into force of the decree that will establish the applicable technical standards for building works.
As regards entry into force, the decree takes effect on the first business day of the third month following its publication, with the exception of the amendments to SIMPLEX, which enter into force today.
These amendments will be the subject of a detailed critical analysis by CCSL’s Real Estate team, which we will share here shortly.
For further information, please contact us at jlp@ccsllegal.com.
[Photograph by Liam McKay, available at unsplash.com]