Poland launches Urban Register and updates building location regulations

On 1 July 2026 the Polish Ministry of Development and Technology activated the Urban Register, an online system that gives citizens and investors easy access to municipal general spatial plans. Municipalities have until 31 August 2026 to prepare these general plans, which replace previous planning studies and divide communes into zoning areas for residential, service, green and recreational functions. The Register will be populated gradually, with a transition period ending 30 September 2026, and includes validation tools and a free QGIS plug‑in to help officials create and check plans.

At the same time the government is amending building‑location rules that will take effect on 20 September 2026. The new provisions allow structures to be placed closer to plot borders—walls without windows may be as near as 1.5 m, and larger objects can be built directly at the edge under certain conditions. Existing limits for outbuildings and garages remain, but the draft has sparked debate with the National Council of Architects over the definition of “stand‑alone” buildings. The reforms aim to simplify construction approvals and adapt Polish building law to modern architectural needs.