Which other statutory permit regimes must be considered in relation to planning/zoning and development?
Regarding new buildings, the developer must first verify whether the property is classified as urban or rural land in the tax registration office as construction is only permitted on properties classified as urban land. If the property is designated as rustic, it must be formally reclassified before any development can proceed.
Under Law No. 53-A/2025, of 9 April 2025 a specific legal framework was introduced allowing the reclassification of land from rustic to urban, provided that at least 70% of the land is allocated to public housing, affordable rental housing, or housing at controlled costs. This reclassification is subject to compliance of the project with other applicable legal requirements, namely environmental protection regulations.
It depends on the nature of the project and the activity to be developed. For example, to implement industrial, tourist and commerce projects, other specific authorisations/licences are required.
Public and private projects, considered by the law as likely to show visible effects on the environment are subject to an environmental impact assessment project.
