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Attaining planning permission (project)
can be a time consuming affair in Portugal and it is not unusual for
this process to take up to a year or more to be passed. Once you have
selected the architect you wish to use and have an idea of the design of
building you wish to build, the process should be relatively
straightforward.
Whereas planning
permission in the United Kingdom usually takes six weeks to process, in
Portugal the procedure is much, much longer. In Portugal a project, or
planning permission, once submitted in full to the Council, could take
from six months to one year to pass.
However
despite the lengthy time period it takes for planning permission to be
passed in Portugal, it is always advisable to complete a renovation,
rebuild or restoration project within the lines of the law.
If you are tempted to start renovating, reconstructing
or rebuilding a property without the correct planning permissions or
licenses, you could find yourself left with an illegal property which
has no value or you could be fined heavily by the council.
Planning
permission (Projecto) in Portugal is a two fold procedure
and it is best to work with an accredited architect and engineer. There
are technical artists who will be able to draw a set of plans for you,
however unlike an architect who has trained for seven years, they may
not be familiar with the latest laws governing new builds or restoration
projects.
The first
stage of planning is called the
Projecto de Arquitectura
(Architectural Project) is a comprehensive brief including architectural
drawings, topographical survey and list of materials to be used.
This is submitted to the Câmara first for approval.
The second stage of any planning procedure in Portugal is
the
Projecto de Especialiada (Specialities Project). This part of the project covers the engineering
required to complete the build, information on septic waste removal,
water and so on and is usually compiled in conjunction with an engineer.
Once both the Projecto de Arquitectura and Projecto de
Especialiada have been approved by the council
you can with your builder pick up the
Licença de Obras (License of
Work) from the Câmara. |
