en 
In a note published on the Presidency's official website, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa explains that the diploma limits simplifications in the area of urban planning to those that have “direct repercussions on the promotion of more housing, a matter of great priority”.
On August 21, the President had already promulgated the Government decree that reforms and simplifies licensing related to housing, warning, however, that he will be attentive to “compatibility” with the safety and quality of buildings.
At the same time, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he hoped the Government would consider “bringing together in a single diploma all the scattered legislation (huge and, in some cases, contradictory)”, even suggesting something that “points to a Building Code”.
In the message published today, the President states that he is awaiting “the announced future Construction Code”, whose guidelines were presented by the Government on Wednesday and which will result from a collaborative process “over the next three years”.
With the reform of licensing in the area of urban planning, which was part of the Mais Habitação program, the Government intends to eliminate “dispensable or redundant” licenses, authorisations, acts and procedures.
English
Nederlands
Deutsch
Français
Español
Italiano
Svenska
Pусский
Română
中文
Türkçe
हिन्दी
Português
Українська
اردو
Polski
عربي
Suomi
עִברִית
Afrikaans
Português (Brasil)
I hope that they will make it possible to build your house to "agricultural" land. Most of the land in Portugal is in "agricultural" category (and not urban), so it's more like impossible to live out side of cities.
That would "solve" most of the housing problems what we currently have here.
By Jussi J. from Other on 06 Jan 2024, 11:29
Having used an experienced Portuguese architect to do the complete renovations on 3 houses on my property, they threw up their hands when I told them which municipality it was in. It seems some municipalities apply the current measures effectively and allow an efficient but fast approach. Others however, drag their feet, are uncoordinated and extremely difficult, (as in my case).
I am not building apartments, but simply modernising old farm-houses; I am not even changing the building sizes. However, it took nearly 2 years to get the approvals - as the Municipality architect decided they were going to design this their way., (no matter what I, the owner wanted).
2 months to respond to the architects' submission - with lists of rejections and specifications for equipment that would be perfect for a high-rise apartment in New York, but useless in Santarem.
The President is right - the biggest obstacle to resolving the housing issues in Portugal is the way in which some /many Municipalities delay the start of work. Having now received received approval I go through the same bureaucracy for a building permit - Health & Safety reports, vetting of (local) artisan builders for qualifications, vetting of what materials, etc.
I am made to feel like I am a criminal for suggesting to renovate old, dilapidated buildings that have not been lived in for 20 years; update, insulate, put in modern power and water-saving devices, and create quality local housing for myself and another 2 families in the process.
MY ADVICE - when purchasing a property in Portugal check the reputation of the Municipality you will be dealing with, they can derail your plans.
This will mean that efficient municipalities get the investment!
By Tony Williams from Other on 06 Jan 2024, 16:24