The proliferation of illegal constructions in the municipality of Loulé: A call for responsibility and compliance with urban planning laws.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in illegal construction in the municipality of Loulé, particularly through the installation of wooden or modular structures on rural land. In most cases, these constructions are intended for precarious housing that does not meet legal requirements. Furthermore, they are often located in areas subject to administrative easements or public utility restrictions, as stipulated in the current Municipal Master Plan (PDM), particularly in areas classified as National Agricultural Reserves (RAN) and National Ecological Reserves (REN).
Given this reality, it is essential to once again alert all citizens that these illicit practices are subject to measures to protect urban planning legality. Such measures are provided for in Decree-Law No. 555/99 of December 16, in its most recent version, approved by Decree-Law No. 10/2024 of January 8, specifically in Articles 102 to 109. The most severe sanction is the demolition of the buildings if it is determined that they are not eligible for licensing or legalization.
It is also worth noting that the recent amendment to the Urbanization and Building Legal Regime (RJUE), in effect since January 8, establishes the application of this regime to modular constructions. These are defined as structures that use modular construction systems, produced partially or entirely in a factory, and which can be fixed or transportable. Therefore, these constructions are considered urban operations that require a prior favorable opinion from the City Council, without prejudice to the need for opinions from other entities, as stipulated in the RJUE or specific legislation.
Call for Awareness and Responsibility
This communication aims to raise awareness among all owners and potential purchasers of rural land about the importance of obtaining proper information before investing in constructions or structures that may be considered illegal. Carrying out such construction work may result in the preparation of official reports and the application of severe sanctions, including charges of violating urban planning regulations and administrative seizure for forced demolition.
In addition to the financial and legal damage to offenders, these situations represent a diversion of essential public funds (if forced demolition is carried out, with all the logistics inherent in the procedure), funds that could be channeled toward basic needs of the population. After the demolition, the expenses will be billed to the offending citizen.
Added to this is the negative environmental impact, with significant damage to the municipality's landscape and natural heritage.
We reiterate our commitment to protecting the territory and natural resources, which belong to everyone, and we call on all citizens to cooperate in complying with urban planning laws.
