The entry into force of Decree-Law no. 10/2024 of 8 January introduced a far-reaching reform of the Portuguese urban planning framework, based on reducing prior administrative controls, simplifying procedures and promoting the digitalisation of urban planning processes. Among the main changes are the extension of the situations exempt from prior control, the increased use of prior notification procedures and the greater reliance on the statements of responsibility issued by the professionals involved.
Although the reform has been positively received by the market, it is important to stress that administrative simplification does not mean a reduction in legal risk. In practice, there has been a progressive transfer of such risk from the public authorities to private parties, developers, purchasers and the professionals involved.
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